The Virginia Quilt Museum

Hi Everyone,

I just heard that yesterday was only our second day in the 90s this year, and boy, it was hot.  Even worse, it is going to be hotter today. How is the weather where you are?

In case you missed my post from a few months ago, I was thrilled to have two of my quilts selected to hang this summer at the Virginia Quilt Museum as part of an exhibit featuring quilts from the Tidewater area of Virginia.  The Tidewater area is also called "Hampton Roads" although I have no idea if the parameters of both of those areas are identical.  I've included a map so you can get an idea of the area included.  This is the South Eastern corner of Virginia.

The area is home to bases for every branch of the military and has other resources which gather people not just from all over our country, but also from all over the world.  Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the US is right here, so we also have a big historical flavor.  These factors, and others, contribute to a wonderful diversity reflected in gorgeous quilts of all types.

The exhibit has been hanging for about a month and I was excited to see it.  Saturday, June 7 was a reception for the artists.  I'm not sure just how many quilters are featured, but many of them were able to be there.  I wasn't sure if photography would be allowed, but it turned out that you could take a photo of a quilt that you made--so I have pictures of my quilts, but not of any other.  That is so sad--there were some wonderful quilts ranging from antiques to modern and everything in between.


Omigosh, the quilt I made from Sue Garman's pattern, is hanging on the main floor.

We looked over the main floor and then went upstairs but didn't see my second quilt.  Finally my Mom said she saw it in the basement.  I didn't know that there was a basement, but not only was my quilt (and a lot more) there, but so was the party!

In fact, my quilt was directly behind the refreshment table, which made it difficult to get a good (or any) picture.  Once everyone gathered down stairs, remarks were made:  Wilma Gerald, the exhibit curator spoke as well as several artists.  Once the formal part was over, we took a photograph of all the artists in attendance.  Wilma is standing on the left in the red and black.  I'm in the middle back.

It is such an honor to be included in this exhibit.  The quilts are all spectacular.  If you are going to be in the Shenandoah Valley this summer, make sure to stop by.  Actually, if you are ever in the area, you should stop in as the museum always has wonderful exhibits.

Have a great day!
JoAnne

It's Not Houston or Paducah, but I'm Still Thrilled

Hi Everyone,

Today I'm sharing a big announcement.  It sort of starts with this book.  Have you ever read it?

It is the first in a series of 3-4 books taking place in the Shenandoah Valley and they all have a bit of a quilting "thread" running through the stories.  This first one is about a family of women:  grandmother, mother, and daughter and how they overcome the issues going on in their lives and become closer.  The grandmother is a quilter and at the end of the book, the daughter and granddaughter decided to display her quilts in a show.  The big finale for the grandmother is that a woman from the Virginia Quilt Museum attended and asked her is she could exhibit her quilts there at the museum.

I mention this as it is the first time I ever heard of the Virginia Quilt Museum.  After our guild's show last fall, I got a phone call that a representative of the Virginia Quilt Museum was interested in one of my quilts--Omigosh--that I had hung in the show.  She was in the process of assembling a collection of quilts from the Virgina Tidewater area, where I live, and was interested in including my quilt!  I was thrilled to say the least! She explained that the show was focusing on the diversity and cultural richness of the area since it is home to a large military community, etc.  I wrote back that I was an Army wife and that I was sort of "known" for my patriotic quilts and shared a few pictures of some of my best.  She really liked my Star Vines Quilt and decided to include it, as well.

This is a picture of Omigosh--I've blogged about it, you can read more here and here.  The pattern is by Sue Garman, it was quilted by Linda Hrcka at The Quilted Pineapple, and I hand-dyed the colored fabric and border.

This is Star Vines:

I blogged about it here and here.  The pattern for it is called Seeing Double by Julie Hale and Connee Morris and was published in the Spring/Summer issue of Quilt Sampler (it is also on the cover of that magazine.)  It was custom quilted by Sandi Zuker.

The exhibit will be on display at the Virginia Quilt Museum all summer, from May 6 through August 23.  The museum is in Harrisonburg, VA.  (Just in case you haven't firmed up those summer vacation plans yet, ha ha!)

As if all that wasn't exciting enough, I got another call earlier this week.  A photo of Star Vines was included in the press package for the exhibit AND it will be published in Quilter's Newsletter Magazine.  One other quilt photo was included and so I'm not sure how much of my quilt will be there (and remember, it will be in an advertisement) but I'm still really excited!!  I'm not sure of the issue yet, but when I find out, I will share.

I've come to terms with the fact that I'm never going to be a competition quilter (I don't want to spend so much time on one quilt) and I'm sure I'll never come up with an idea to get something published, so this is very exciting.  I know I'll be at the museum for the artist's reception on May 19th and perhaps one or two other times, so I will blog about the exhibit.  I'm excited to see all the quilts from our area.

Have a great day!
JoAnne