Weekly update: quilt show and afterward

 The 22nd Great Wisconsin Quilt Show was at the Alliant Center in Madison September 10-12.   It used to be called an expo, hence the quilt label that identifies the post.  It's the eighth time I've attended and the second time I've stayed overnight.  

By pleasant coincidence both Anna and I arrived at the same time Thursday morning. We met at the entrance--we didn't even have to text.  She stays at her brother's cabin.  I had a motel reservation.

I was able to get tickets for two lectures. 

   I've known Jennifer Chiaverini since she wrote the first Elm Creek Quilts book.  She talked about the latest installment in that series.  I'm looking forward to the next stand-along historical novel, The Rational Dress Society.  It will come out in 2027 and is about the dress reform movement in England in the late 19th century. 

The incomparable Victoria Findlay Wolfe spoke at the very end of the day -- 6:00-7:30 p.m.  I was really tired but her presentation was so lively that I perked up.  Such creativity!  Such inspiration!   

"I make any kind of quilts that float my boat.....I sew fast. Make decisions quickly, sew, and move on....You have permission to make mistakes. You have permission to cut it up.....Don't copy my quilt! I already made it. Make it your own....In each quilt you make, think 'What can I do to make it different from what I've done before?'" 

If you've been to a big quilt show you know what to expect.  There are stunning quilts in all styles and colors.  There are quilts you could conceivably make.**   There is inspiration in every aisle.   

I have artists' statements for nearly all of these if you want to know more.   

 

Note the highland coos (cows) in the upper right. 

I forgot to turn in the ballot with my favorite quilts. This ballerina won my vote.

**  "Quilts you could conceivably make" because I made these.    

There were special exhibits, too.

I checked into the motel (just 1-1/2 miles from the convention center) after Victoria's lecture.  I had dinner at a Perkins next door.  

 I brought the Featherweight and did a little sewing, but not much.  I was truly tired and got a good night's sleep.  

When I woke up I changed my plans.

 I'd enjoyed all the quilts and I did a lot of shopping (evidence below).  I got to see Anna and my QOV friend Karen.  

I decided I didn't need to spend another night at the motel, so I checked out.    Destination:  Reedsburg, WI, 60 miles northwest of Madison, to see the International Crane Foundation. 

Since I was running early, I took a detour to see Natural Bridge State Park.   Wildflowers, fungus, and 20th century petroglyphs. 

As I drove through the Wisconsin countryside with verdant green and ripe-for-the-harvest golden fields under a blueblueblue sky I thought about that equally sunny mid-September morning in 2001.   So much has changed in the world and in our society but the sun still comes up every day and the sky is still blue.

 

I've wanted to visit the ICF for years and now I finally have.  It was established more than 50 years ago.  All 15 species of cranes are on view in the very attractive and informative visitor's center and grounds.   On the property, but not open to visitors, are laboratories and breeding barns.   

There are two North American species.  The sandhill cranes have made a great comeback -- we see them often here in northeastern Illinois.  The whooping cranes are still critically endangered.  

I left Reedsburg at noon.    When Anna and I met at the convention center entrance we chatted with a woman who works in a quilt shop in Brodhead, WI (east of Janesville).  She said they carry current/new fabrics and that they stock closeouts and estate sale/major destash fabric.   

Brodhead was on the way home so I stopped.  Wow, what a selection.  It's in an old church (the clerk said it housed many denominations over the years).   The upstairs selection was extensive (sorry I didn't get photos), and oh, that bargain basement!   $6/yard, FQs $2, and lots of trims, books, patterns, etc.  I exercised restraint and told myself it's not that far away and I can go back.  

Here's the combination of quilt show and church basement purchases.   I shopped with a purpose:  lime green and bright purple.   Some other gems caught my eye.   I'll have such fun playing!   

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