Thread Tales (Book Club) Exhibit at Guild Quilt Show 2025

"Use It" made by Angie L.

Goal number four on my April list was to share our Thread Tales exhibit at our guild quilt show with my readers. Every year, we read four books. We discuss the book the first month. The second month, we may have an activity or another discussion. The third month, we reveal our projects. Unless the maker wants help with their project, we don't know what people are making until the reveal.

Our group has few rules, we don't have to read the book. We don't have to be a book leader. We dob't have to attend the meetings. We don't have to make a project. We don't have to finish a project to share it. If we choose to be a book leader, we need to have read the book before we choose it! Currently, there are sixteen members in our group. New members are welcome at any time.

"Crazy for You" made by Kathy L.

For the book, Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas, we had two entries. Of course, more quilts were finished; but, they may have been given away or were shown in other categories of the show. Angie L. recycled men's shirts to make an improv style log cabin block. She measured the three inch centers but didn't measure any of the remaining "logs." She sewed the quilt on her featherweight and it was one of the first quilts that she long armed on a friend's machine. She named her quilt "Use It."

Kathy M. used silk ties and fabrics from Africa to create a crazy quilt. Enlarge the photo so you can see the trims and embellishments that she used to trim some of the blocks. In the book, the matriarch likened the ladies gathering to quilt to a crazy quilt in that the members come from a variety of backgrounds yet combine into one cohesive group. She earned an honorable mention ribbon for her quilt.

"Slow Stitching" made by Angie L.

For the book, "The Year of Less" by Cait Flanders, we had two entries. Angie L. used minimal color to represent pairing things down. 

Work, Play, Rest made by me

I was struck by the amount of clothing the author "released." So I made a tiny sized wall hanging to represent clothing worn for work, play and rest. 

"Quilt and Stout" made by Angie L.

For the book, "The Lager Queen of Minnesota" by J. Ryan Stradal, we had four entries. Angie L. said the browns looked like beer colors to her. A transparency block class was the basis of the design.

"mmm...Apple Pie Lager" made by Rosanne H.

The chemistry/recipes that went into the beer was Rosanne H.'s inspiration. One of the characters baked award winning pies. Other characters brought their own flavors to creating a beer flavor.

"Pale Ale" by Dianne K.

A bag of glitzy, silky, ravely yellow fabrics were Dianne K.'s inspiration. She cut the fabrics into odd shapes; covered the fabrics with netting and stitched them to the batting and backing. 

"Transparency" made by me

If there had been transparency between the characters there would have been a totally different outcome! That was the inspiration behind my project. I was awared a third place ribbon.

"Long Lasting Effects" made by Rosanne H.

For the book, "The Women" by Kristin Hannah, there were four entries. Rosanne H.'s husband served in Vietnam. She used his service to inspire her project. She wrote, "The Vietnam War left lasting injuries to so many--physical, emotional (PTSD), and the effects of Agent Orange. With the focus on Vietnam, the other countries are blanked our using orange. Both flags, the DMS, major cities and the base hubby was stationed for two tours are also marked. She was awarded a blue ribbon.

"Stars Like Spaghetti" made by me

After reading the first chapter, I knew that I wanted to make a Quilt of Valor. I got lucky when a blogger that I follow had a QOV mystery sew along. This was the result!

"We Were There" made by Kathy M.

Kathy M. used a print that contained three nurses. The print represented the three nurses in the book as well as fabrics to represent the era during the war. Her wall hanging was designed to honor the women who served and endured the horrors of war that they faced during their time in service to our country. 

"Thank You for Your Service" made by Sharry O.

Sharry O. leads a group that makes Quilts of Valor for servicemen and women. She used a panel to mark the struggle the military nurses serving in Vietnam during the war as well as the lack of acknowledgement that these women were given.

To track the quilts I have made for past books, I have a page of Thread Tales quilts. Feel free to visit the page. I have been with the group since 2007. I often would incorporate a new to me technique or I would practice using a technique I wanted to play with more. Currently, my goal is to create a piece using supplies from my stash.

I'm linking up with Frédérique at Patchwork and Quilts and Cynthia at Oh Scrap.

Indigo Way at the Quilt Show

Of the 34 people who participated in our guild mystery challenge last year, nine people exhibited their Indigo Way projects at the guild show. A number of quilts were finished and given away before the show. Some projects are still under construction. 

Please, enjoy the parade! 

Sharleen R. used cheddar as her main color. She ran short of time so she altered the setting.

Sharleen R.'s entry

This was the first mystery for  Viv A. She said she learned to take a victory lap at the end of the piecing. (Stay stitching the edge so that the seams don't pop while the project is being longarmed.)

Viv A.'s entry

I so enjoyed watching other people work through the clues and watching their fabrics make beautiful projects. My goal is to finish the previous mystery before the next mystery begins. Had Bonnie started her mystery the day after Thanksgiving, I would have made it; but, she released the fabric amounts a week early!

My entry

This was Jeff B.'s first time to work on a mystery quilt. He had never worked with so many pieces with such precise points! Our small group watched his progress every week. He said had we not had that Zoom session, he wouldn't have finished because we provided him so much support! Our guild has an open sew time from 10 in the morning to 11 in the evening on Fridays as way to connect with other quilters. People come and go throughout the day. We had a help session for this project at 7 in the evening.

He ran out of his dark red fabric and added the brighter red. He was concerned that it was too bold a step. We told him it was the perfect add. Later, he agreed! He exhibited in the first time entrant category since this was the first quilt he had exhibited in a show.

Jeff B.'s entry

This was Corrie C.'s first time to stitch a Bonnie Hunter mystery. She has a longarm business and managed to stitch her clues; but, had to wait for a break in business to put the clues together. She used a different technique in the corners of the border.

Corrie C.'s entry

Shannon I. created three tops from her mystery. Each was a different layout. Two tops she donated. This was the one that she kept! If you click on the link, you can see other tops that were created or in progress. 

Shannon I.'s entry

This was Sarah N.'s first time making a mystery quilt. While she enjoyed getting the clues each week; she tired of point after point after point! 

Sarah N.'s entry

Linda P. created this entry, She enjoyed using her stash to create her quilt. I like the setting triangles she used  as well as using more an additional border. You are going to learn more about Linda P. in a later post.

Linda P.'s entry

Kathy S. used leftovers from previous Bonnie mystery projects to create her project. 

Kathy S.'s entry

Each entry was amazing. I'm glad I got to see them all hanging together! Sharing the exhibit with my readers was goal number three on my April list. Linking up to Alycia at Finished or Not Friday.

Goal number ten on my November list was to share the results of the Mt. Hood Quilt Guild Show, "Quilts of the East Wind," which was held November 1 and 2. To test my knee that I had joint replacement surgery on October 1, I rode with my husband to drop off my two quilt entries. Using my walker, I slowly made my way to the drop off point. That short walk was too much for me. I knew that I wouldn't physically be able to see the show. I asked my friend Nancy to take photos of my two quilts so I would at least see a photo of them hanging. She did send me photos and was I ever surprised! I'm including the judge's comments.

Chilhowie--2022 Bonnie Hunter Mystery

Judge's comments: "Chilhowie: Highly successful color scheme. Excellent piecing technique. Organc quilting design contrasts well with geometric piecing. Fabulous variety of prints with well-considered placement from one block to the next. Pieced binding unifies quilt top well. Binding witdh should be consistent. Outside edges should be straight." Second place--pieced large.

Second Place--Pieced Large

Judge's comments: "Lone Star: Stunning visual impact. Excellent piecing technique. Well chosen fabric for star center. It creates a strong focal point. Red quilting thread color is a good choice to contrast well with the blue background fabric. Very good variety of quilting designs. Change in quilting thread color is thoughtful. Excellent binding technique. Outside edges should be straight."

Lone Star

This was the third show for this guild. It was the first time that participants could have their quilts judged. About 40 percent of the entrants chose to have their quilts judged. The judge posted on Facebook a photo of my Lone Star quilt with the following comment: "On Wednesday, I judged the quilt show for the Mt. Hood Quilt Guild. This was their first judged show. I'm sharing here the best of show quilt created by Terry Knott, whom I would call a very confident quilter. Look how she used red three on a blue background. No blending thread for her." It was so cool to be tagged and see that comment!!!

Best of Show--First Place Pieced Large

Of course, all Sunday, I was smiling from ear to ear!!! The award for the Lone Star quilt is especially meaningful to me because I had started quilting the background on my domestic machine when I was rear ended on a car accident. It was months before I could sit at the machine to piece. For more months, the only way I could quilt was using a walking foot. Eventually, I was able to free motion quilt in 15 to 30 minute increments. (Spending more time caused my neck to have spasms and my arms and hands to loose feeling.) I'm not as proficient as I was before the car accident, but, I still can free motion quill!

Linking to Cynthia at Oh Scrap!

Judge's Comments

Goal number eight on my May list was to share the judge's comments on my three guild show entries. Quilters of all levels should share their work. It makes me sad when I hear people say that "I'm not good enough to enter."  My favorite shows to attend are those which exhibit a variety of quilting levels. I come away more inspired from viewing those quilts! There wouldn't have been much of a show if only the extra spectacular quilts were entered. 

Quilting detail of Lone Star Modern Contemporay

Many people don't realize that when their quilt is judged, the judge has two to three minutes maximum to look at the quilt and make comments. If they don't adhere to the time standard, they won't be finished in time for the show to open to the public! I also appreciate receiving feedback regarding my entries. Often, I have an idea what the comments will be although I'm harder on myself than the judge has been!

In this post, I'm sharing the quilt and the comments. A heart felt thank you to Nancy T for being the drop off depot to get my quilts into the show and for delivering my quilts to my home after the show. I had knee surgery the day we were to drop off our quilts. I also appreciated Nancy for photographing my entries as well as many other entries so I could "see" some of the show even though I couldn't attend in person.

Lone Star Modern Contemporary

Lone Star Modern Contemporary:

Judge's Comments: Color and value are well chosen for the classic design. Very good visual movement created through placement of value. Quilting motifs are well designed to fill background areas and utilize negative space well. Upper and lower pieced borders effectively frame the center motif.

I struggle with color and value. I smiled when I read I did well with my choices for this design. I also struggled with quilting motifs so to read my free form filler stitches were well designed and used the negative space well made me smile again!

Seeing the quilt hang in the photo was the first time I had seen it from that perspective. I like it even more than I did when I finished it!

Lime Sprinkle

Lime Sprinkle:

Judge's Comments: Outstanding design is enhanced by the choice of the color palette. Small additions of gold and green elements provide very good visual interest. Directional changes in quilting lines are very effective. (Second place.)

For my first foray into Improv style quilting, I loved reading "outstanding design is enhanced by the choice of the color palette." I also appreciated the "directional changes in quilting lines are very effective." Quilting this piece in a "modern way" was a challenge for me!

I shared the comments and the second place with Irene Roderick. I began this project in her class via Zoom in January. Irene replied, "Congratulations! Thx for letting me know. . .makes me so proud!"

Nuggets

Nuggets:

Judge's Comments: Effective subtle value change in background. Excellent movement created through placement and size of triangles. The gold fabrics seem to glow against the background. Excellent faced edge. (Honorable Mention)

I'm glad the judge could embrace the subtle value change in the background. I wanted to create a feeling of movement and "glow" of the gold fabrics and the judge saw it! I also sweated over that faced edge!

Linking to Cynthia and Oh Scrap/Quilting Is More Fun Than Housework!

Quilt Entries

Zip tie loop option for hanging

Goal number two on my February list was to enter my quilts in the Clark County Quilters show/Quiltfest Northwest which will be held April 4-6, 2024. This year, the guild provided an online method to enter our quilts. While it has some issues for the entrant, I believe the online entry process will help organizers categorize the quilts and organize them much faster. 

Close up of Fly Home

I entered four quilts. My entries are: 42 Minis--display only as the past presidents of the guild are showing the quilts that they made with the blocks the members gave them at the end of their term. Nuggets--an entry representing our Thread Tales group and the book "Where the Forest Meets the Stars." Lone Star Modern Contemporary--entered in the pieced category. Lime Sprinkle--an entry representing the Lime Twist Challenge through the small group Mod Squad. I need to finish Lime Sprinkle. . .it isn't even a top. . .yet!!!!

In January, the Portland Modern Guild put out a call for entries to display quilts at the Vancouver Public Library. This is my second year as a member. I haven't made a project from a workshop or a challenge. . .but, using books as inspiration, I have created a few modern looking quilts. I thought what better place to display book inspired quilts than a library! 

Close up of Circling the Sun

I entered four quilts. Crossroads (The Time Traveler's Wife), Rue (The Hunger Games), Fly Home (The All Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion) and Circling the Sun (West with the Night.) A few days after I entered, I received notification that all FOUR of the quilts were accepted! I was excited!! I hope that I can see the quilts hanging at the library. I am humbled and honored to have been selected.

Close up of Crossroads

To hang the quilts, we are to provide a wooden slat or dowel with a hole drilled at each end that fits the sleeve of our quilt. We were to insert a zip tie into the hole and create a loop. The loop will fit the hook in the
library's hanging system. We could have also used a wooden slat or dowel that a contains screw with an eye. I went with the zip tie option.

I'm happy to share my work. Fifteen years ago, I wanted to stitch an award winning quilt. I thought I had stitched a winner. I showed it in a couple of smaller shows. I entered it in big shows; but, it was not selected to hang. The judge's comments were similar. There was one section of the quilt that drew criticism.

Close up of Rue

It was then that I had a decision to make. Stitch quilts that the judges will like or stitch quilts the way I like. I stopped entering national shows. I share quilts at the county fair and at the guild shows.

I  appreciate other artists and quilters when they share their work. Seeing my work hung creates a feeling of amazement within my soul. I've spent hours working closing on the project. When I view it hanging, I grin because the overall impact is what I haven't seen working so closely on it!

Putting my work in the public eye, also places me in a vulnerable position, Some attendees can be overheard saying the most unwelcome comments. I am choosing to be brave! The best quilt shows/displays are the ones that share quilts with a variety of techniques and made with various levels of difficulty. Goal number 14 on my February list was to write a post sharing the acceptance news.

In the header on my blog, I have tabs for completed quilts and books read. I have a tab labeled Thread Tales Quilts. This is where I've listed the books our group has read over the years. Corresponding to the book, I've noted a response. Often, there is a completed quilt listed with a link to read the story about the project.

I Met Cynthia. . .

A modern quilt at the show

Last Sunday, I attended the Westside Quilters "A Quilted Paradise" show. From where I live, it was an hour drive to the show. My husband offered to drive. I took him up on his offer. I used an ice pack on the way there which helped with pain management. We arrived as the show opened.

It was great to walk through the aisles and see over 150 beautiful quilts. I found that I couldn't stop to read the signage on the quilts because the pain across my back, up my neck and into one shoulder would engage. My daughter wanted proof I saw quilts so my husband snapped a photo in front of this one.

I was really bad. . .I forgot to ask him to photograph the signage so I could attribute the maker. If you attended the show and know, please message me. I will add the information to this post. I liked the modern feel of the piece.

Next, I worked my way to vendor Cynthia Bunz's booth. I've followed Cynthia for years via her blog, Quilting Is More Fun Than Housework. For at least the last couple of

Cynthia and me in front of her booth

years, I've participated in her Oh Scrap link up on Saturdays. Cynthia is a master of using every scrap. She is generous with her knowledge and so supportive. 

She's been working on the scrappy paper pieced banner for a number of months. Getting to see the banner in person was extra special! I got to see many of her patterns up close and personal too. The absolute best part was meeting her in person. 

She agreed to have a photograph with me. While I had fully intended to thank her in person for inspiring me to play with scraps, I totally forgot! I attribute forgetting to being tongue tied around a celebrity! I'm really glad to have met her in the flesh!

We left soon after meeting Cynthia. My ice pack was still a little cool so I used it on the way home. I was sore the next day; but, my pain level wasn't any greater than it was before I went. 

It's been a month since I was last able to sit at a machine and stitch. This week, I have an acupuncture appointment to calm the nerves in my neck to encourage the muscles to stop going into a spasm. I hope acupuncture works. I so miss machine stitching!

Behind the scenes with a virtual quilt show

The crew

Our Clark County Quilters guild has held an annual quilt show each April for 44 years. COVID canceled the April 2020 show. The committee moved the 45th annual show to November; but, COVID canceled the in person event. However, committee members decided to take the show virtual. The show will open November 12 at 7PM. The show will be available until the end of December 2020. What a great way to end an upside down year.

When we entered our quilts last February, we submitted an entry form and a photo. Sometimes the photos are of finished quilts. Sometimes the photos are of in process quilts. Sometimes, the photos are of a sketch and fabrics!

Signing in

I submitted an entry the latter way once myself. I was challenged to finish the project in time to hang in the show. I decided that for future entries, I wouldn't experience that kind of stress again! You can read about that entry here.

To take the show virtual, the committee needed a good photo of the finished quilts that we entered. They offered several opportunities for us to bring the quilts to them for a photographic session. They also shared tips for taking photos of our quilts if we chose to photograph the quilts on our own.

I use my cell phone camera to take photographs. I have one wall in the house that works for photographing small to medium quilts; but, the wall isn't a great color because it's a soft yellow. The lighting in the room always gives me a shadow. I also had one quilt that was too large to photograph on the wall. I signed up for the first opportunity to have my entries photographed.

The day was last Tuesday. We all wore masks and for the most part, we all stayed six feet apart. I snapped a few photos of the process. This guild year has been upside down due to the effects of COVID. I decided to post my experience in my blog today.

Karan and Deb hanging Star Patch

When I arrived, I signed in. There were three quilt stands set up to receive quilts. The committee was set up to have six quilts ready for photographing. It didn't take long for the ladies to have my entries up and ready to photograph.

Karan and Deb hung my larger entries. Jean hung the smaller ones. Bev and Sharry snapped the photos. I arrived at 8:55AM and was out the door at 9:15AM! 

I hope the day went as smooth for all the other people who came after me! When the virtual quilt show is available to view, I'll  share the link so you will be able to go to the show from the comfort of your home!

Jean hanging New Beginnings

Speaking of virtual shows, a friend of mine shared a link to the Portland Society for Calligraphy show. Her name is Gema and her exhibit is towards the end. Pour yourself a cup of your favorite drink and enjoy the slide show. 

Regarding my projects, I'm making slow progress on the butterfly collage, the Santa ornaments and the Unity quilt projects. I'm far from a finish on any of those projects! 

Regarding COVID:

Worldwide: 26.9M confirmed; 17.9M recovered; 880K deaths

United States: 6.35M confirmed; 3.41M recovered; 191K deaths

Oregon: 27,601 confirmed; 475 deaths

Tuesday, my granddaughters have their first day of school. They are excited and they will be attending on line classes at least until the end of October.

Thursday, our Clark County Quilters board decided to continue

Bev taking a photo

holding Zoom general meetings until July 2020. Friday, the governor allowed swimming pools to re-open. I'm not sure how facilities will implement the restrictions; but, I'm glad the opportunity to swim again exists! It's been seven months since I've been swimming. I sure miss it.  

Regarding the protests:

For the 14th week, the protests continue. The man who was suspected of firing the shots that killed another man last weekend at the protests, died this week when police tried to arrest him. Last Monday night, 200 people protested outside of Portland mayor Ted Wheeler's condominium home demanding his resignation over his handling of the destructive aspect of the protests.  

Sharry taking a photo

The protest turned into a riot. Protestors started a fire in the street using a nearby picnic table as the fuel. They then broke 
the dental office windows of the business that occupied the lower level of the condominium building. Protestors tossed office supplies including a chair into the fire. 

Surrounding area police departments have not volunteered to help the Portland Police department because the city is choosing not to prosecute offenders that are arrested for misdemeanor offenses. What a mess!!!

Judges' Comments From QuiltFest Northwest Show

Ole Truck

March 28-30 was QuiltFest Northwest--the Clark County Quilters quilt show. I entered four pieces into the show. I also put together a memorial of a few quilts that my friend Martha had created. I really liked the layout of the show this year because it was possible to see quilts from a distance as well as up close and personal!

The judge's feedback for "Ole Truck" was:
Wonderful job of depicting the patina of this ole truck Even the surface design of the clouds have an aged look. Micro-stippling on the truck add to the rusty feel. Mitered borders do a good job of framing the quilt. Facing is very well done.

It was awarded a Judge's Choice ribbon which was cool to receive. You can read more about this project here.

Aurora Borealis

The judge's feedback for "Aurora Borealis" was:
Good use of color and value to depict the Borealis. Hand-stitching and embellishments are appropriate and well applied. Quilting motif adds to the theme of the quilt. Binding corners are nicely mitered.

This entry was part of the "Thread Tales" exhibit and the members voted to not have ribbons awarded. You can read more about this project here.

Gladys

The judge's feedback for "Gladys" was:
Very interesting and innovative mosaic technique creates a charming quilt. Piecing and construction is well done. Quilting motif is fitting for the quilts. Binding edges should be straight. You can read more about this project here.

This was also a "Thread Tales" exhibit and no ribbons were awarded.

Gardner's Mystery

The judge's feedback for "Gardener's Mystery" was:
Good balance of color and value to move your eye around the quilt. Piecing is well done. Beautiful background leaf quilting. Absolutely charming flowered quilting with micro-bubbles. Ditch quilting should stay in the ditch.

It was awarded a third place ribbon in the Pieced Large category skill level advanced.

I was surprised at how vibrant the design of this quilt is. Without seeing it hang, I would not have had this view! Nor would I have seen how much I like the colors that I chose. Who knew a block of the month mystery quilt could have so much visual impact? I sure didn't! You can read more about this project here.

One section of the display

When my friend, Martha, died last summer, her family asked me if I wanted a few quilts that no one else wanted. The last time that I was in her house and after the estate sale, there were a few other finished projects that I couldn't see going to the Salvation Army so I picked those up to become part of my collection.

The "I Love Vicky" and the Cupboard quilts were projects that she had made as her answer to a couple guild challenges. We made vegetable table runners and she was always stitching gifts for someone using sparkly fabrics and threads.

Martha had a terrific eye for color and a wicked sense of humor. She had fun designing her projects and interpreting challenge rules. We laughed a lot when we stitched together once a week for many years. I appreciate that the show chairs supported this exhibit. I heard that as people who knew her passed by, they shared a story or two which would have tickled Martha.

Other section of the display

My favorite exhibit at the show was "The Lady." JoJo Hall designed "The Lady" ten years ago. JoJo spent the last decade letting "The Lady" speak her mind as to how she wanted to be pieced, quilted and embellished!! JoJo quilted words in the earth part of quilt. The words are adjectives that describe women. . .a few of my favorites are adventurous, caring, imaginative and teacher.

JoJo won first place in the Art Representational Category intermediate level and won best domestic machine quilting. Well done, JoJo!!

JoJo with "The Lady"

Passion Unfolded--Joanne Adams Roth Quilts

One quilt in her power line series

On Sunday, a friend and I went to the Clark County Quilters Featured artist's show. The title of the show was "Passion Unfolded: The Quilts of Joanne Adams Roth." This was the first year that I didn't volunteer to help with some part of the show. I was scheduled to work; but, one of the days was canceled so that was why I got to see the show.

Examples of her early work

"Daffodil Dreams"

What an amazing show it was. Joanne shared quilts that were hand pieced, hand quilted and hand beaded. Yes, she had machine quilted some quilts and had some quilts quilted by check book! She shared quilts that contained examples of techniques that she not only learned herself but taught others as well. I've known Joanne for a number of years. We were in the same small group for awhile so I saw many of the quilts in process that were in the show! I had many favorites and it was so fun to see them again!
I snapped a photo of one of her quilts in her power line series because I liked how she had shaded the fabrics that she had pieced. It was so striking. . . probably because she used red! Red is my favorite color with turquoise and purple not far behind so I wanted to share that piece in this post!

Capturing the art for a "rainy day!"

Of course, there were examples of her more traditional quilts. Although, even in the traditional quilts, Joanne used a different setting or an unexpected color to make the quilt her own creation. I appreciated leafing through her project notebooks. She had saved patterns/in process photos or her quilts. She even had her projects numbered!!!!

I am SO not that organized! She also had her blog posts printed in a book for that year. She does a great job of documenting her work!

On many of the quilt stories was written "In the collection of" and the person's name. Joanne has stitched many graduation quilts, gifted
many quilts and even sold some quilts.

My friend and I oohed over the "Daffodil Dreams" quilt. Joanne had designed the 58 center feather wreaths which enclosed a daffodil. Joanne machine quilted the piece and dabbled with trapunto. The variety of fabrics used is large with few repeats.

A modern take on a pickle dish pattern--"Chic Kisses"

"Moon Gazing"

It was fun to see "Moon Gazing" again. This was her entry in the guild's theme category at the show last spring. That bit of blue is tiny lights and I love that a mouse was gazing too!

Of course, one of the nicest compliments a quilter can receive is for someone to want to photograph their work. Or, perhaps, a quilt calls the viewer from across the room and soon, the viewer is nose close to the quilt seeing a different view all together from that angle! It is also wonderful to watch the viewer grab a friend and share their excitement of their "view!" Sometimes, the viewer snaps a photo. At this show, it is okay to take photos!!!

I saw people reading the story of each quilt, I heard the questions--"how did she do that?"  and "check out the fabric on the back!" I also heard a lot of "WOW" comments as quilts were viewed. People marveled at how Joanne accomplished each finish. I heard comments like, "this makes me want to go home and sew" and "well, I'm inspired!"

She also shared a number of her nest quilts and her latest series on shadow selfies. It was a terrific show of 114 pieces of her work!