Wednesday, April 29, 2015

The Paducah Story

Paducah1
When I headed out Monday morning to Paducah for QuiltWeek, I was able to catch an amazing shot of my beautiful hometown Saint George, Utah.  If you haven't been here to visit - you should.  It is so gorgeous.

Paducah2
The first time I have ever eaten in a restaurant alone happened on Monday night.  I think my text to Clint went something like this:  I don't like eating alone, this is lame. 
The food however, made up for the sadness I felt.  So yummy!

Paducah3
On Tuesday I headed over to the convention center and the bubble - I found a poster of me in the iQuilt booth.  You can see a sneak peak of the project you will learn from my online class that will be available soon.  All the info will be available at iQuilt.com

I participated in the All Star Review on Tuesday afternoon and had a great time.  After that I met up with Elaine and Richard from AQS and went to the award ceremony for the quilts. I almost convinced myself not to go to the ceremony, but I am so glad I went. 

Paducah4
Um ya - Coastal Lily won first place in the Bed Quilts Longarm machine quilted category.  Thelma tells the story better than I ever could on her blog, you can read that here.

Paducah5
Best part of winning was actually meeting Thelma for the first time as well as Linda Hrcka from The Quilted Pineapple.  It was probably the most animated group of ladies at the awards ceremony.  It was an epic moment that will be remembered for a very long time.

Paducah6
Coastal Lily with the Dogwood Ribbon.  It still feels so surreal.

Paducah7
Thelma and I got up super early for a live local tv news shot.  It was so fun being able to talk about our quilt together.

Paducah8

I mentioned our win on my Facebook account and for me, this post went viral.  Seriously over 30,000 people saw the post.  I cannot thank you all for the love on this post and for your constant support you have given me.  So much fun!

Paducah9
So, I had one student - Lynn - who had the longarm needle run through her finger.  She was stuck to the longarm, they brought a stretcher and all. The funny thing was, they didn't have anti-bacterial ointment or a bandaid, but Vicky the Handi Quilter rep did. Anyway, I felt so bad, but she was a good sport about the whole thing.  The dangers of using a longarm!  I am crossing my fingers that I never experience this.

Paducah10
I met so many amazing quilters, but it was a total honor and shock to have Carol Selepec in one of my classes.  She is a Paducah winner and gorgeous quilter.  I feel completely honored that she took my class.

Paducah11
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday were 13 hour days for me.  It was tough and though I am not a soda or caffeine drinker all the time - I did need some Dr. Pepper to help me stay awake.  I walked into my room Friday morning and saw this Dr. Pepper waiting for me.  When you teach for AQS, they take care of you and that Terry Guill is pretty awesome.  The nicest man you have ever met.

Paducah12
Kimberly and I shared a room for two nights and had the best time laughing our heads off.  It was so fun just talking to her.  It was also my first time meeting her in person, but we have talked a lot on the phone - so I feel like I already have known her forever.  She's a dear friend.

Paducah13
If you haven't been to Paducah before, you should go.  I have never seen so many quilters in one spot. It was amazing.  You never quite know what a quilt show can be like until you have been to Paducah.

Paducah14
On Saturday I had a book signing in the bubble.  I was just so happy to be finished with my crazy week.  I had so much fun teaching, but it can be exhausting and it was nice being able to relax and talk to people without having to worry about things that I do while I am teaching.

Paducah15
Clint bought me a one way ticket home Saturday night so that I could get home sooner.  I am so glad he did.  I do wish I would have had time to really enjoy Kentucky, but this picture really describes the beauty there.  So green, blue and white.  The perfect backdrop to a wonderful place.

Paducah16
I flew through Chicago and the skies were dark and dreary, but when we got up above the rain clouds we were greeted with the most amazing cloudscape.  I really don't know why I have struggled so long with flying, but I am starting to appreciate it so much more.  Being up close and personal to God's creations makes me all the more grateful for this beautiful earth.

Paducah17
The best part about coming home was being greeted by these little people.  I am so grateful for my family.  Of course they were excited about watching my luggage come out, clearly it is very exciting.

Anyway, I am so thrilled to be home for this week.  I am taking it easy and enjoying my time with family.  My mom is coming in for Micah's baptism this weekend.  I will be sure to share that with you.

Also, I will be heading out again next week and will be teaching at HMQS - hope to see you there!


21 comments:

Hildy said...

Congrats for winning with Costal Lily!

Sue's Stitchin' said...

Congrats on the win, and thanks again for the great classes I took with you :)

Linda said...

Memories to last a lifetime! Congratulations again!!!! It was an honor to be on stage with all you amazing ladies!

Natalia from Piece N Quilt said...

Congratulations Judi! Your quilting is always amazing!!!!!

Mrs. DillyDally said...

I am just so happy for you and the success you are enjoying! Your talent is a blessing and you share it so graciously! Congratulations on your success!

Chookyblue...... said...

wow congrats on you quilt win.........sounds like a huge wonderful time away..........

Beezus said...

So happy for you on your win! Do you think you will be at the quilt show in Chattanooga this year? As you say, Paducah has so many quilters there and I just couldn't face the crowd there this year. :-)

Dawn said...

Congrats on your win! Though I must say that as wonderful as your quilts are I think they should always win. ;) Looks like a good time was had by all in Kentucky. I have been to St. George many times and it is indeed gorgeious! I have not previously seen it by air so that was a treat.

Gemini Jen NZ said...

I wish I could have been there! What a lot of fun. I am glad you enjoyed yourself. Your Kentucky photo looks just like my home area of Southland New Zealand. I love the landscape of yours - such a contrast!

Helen L said...

Coastal is an amazing quilt, and you so deserved to win with it!! Congrats!! Hugs, H in HeaLDSburg

Leeanne said...

Thank you for sharing your amazing experience.

Melissa Corry said...

Sounds like an awesome trip ;) Congrats on the big win!!!

Kelly Cline said...

Congrats on the win! So worthy! Enjoy your week of family!

Brita said...

Congrats! You deserve the win :-) I ran a needle (not on a longarm) while I was taking a class in Paducah a couple of years ago, and no first aid station. You'd think that would be a requirement!!! Thanks for sharing all the cool stuff you do.

Rosemary B❤️ said...

^^^ well, everyone said it perfectly up there. This is a beautiful quilt and I am so happy you won. Well deserved.
Thanks for telling us all about your adventure.
Have a great time with your mom visiting

Nancy Biggs said...

Congratulations on your win, Judi! I had hoped to meet you in Paducah, but I was only there for Thursday. It was so crowded, and I knew you were teaching. One of my dear friends, Joyce Fratini, took your class on Thursday. I order from your online GFQ shop often. Paducah is a great place for quilters, and I only live about 70 miles away. Come back "East" when you can spend more time!

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

Congrats on your BIG win w/ Coastal Lily! I hope to get to Paducah for the AQS show one day, your description has made it all the more tempting. Sorry to read about the mishap in your class... YIKES! SEW glad she was okay. Your welcoming committee at the airport is the best!

the zen quilter said...

I'm so glad you won - I have to say I find your quilting absolutely breathtaking - it's like the natural awe-inspiring beauty of the earth put onto a piece of fabric! I know that sounds a little weird, but what I mean is, keep on keeping on - your work is truly inspired from a spiritual place. I've never seen anything like it! WOW.

Thelma said...

You were one busy girl! Looking back on it, your Monday night dinner was the only time you had to relax. It was a thrill of a lifetime, I'm just so happy you were in Paducah so we could share the win, it was just meant to be.

Cocopatch said...

Congrats! Your quilt was one of my favorites in Paducah!

lynn ann said...

It was wonderful meeting you in Paducah! I also wanted you to know that my finger has healed up just find. Lynn 😀