Friday, February 14, 2014

Phoenix AQS QuiltWeek 2014

New shoes and ugly carpet could only mean I am sitting in an airport ;-)
  Last week was a big week for me.  A couple of firsts happened.   My first solo trip, my first teaching gig and my first time judging in a quilt competition.  To say I wasn't nervous is a flat out lie, seriously.  Who chooses this?  Anyway...it was better than I thought.  Read on. 

My small little airport. 
 I have decided that flying isn't all that bad.  I don't plan on living in fear for the rest of my life, so I said a prayer to ask for comfort while I traveled, plugged in some seriously calming music on my iPod and I was good to go.  It was tough leaving Clint and the kids though, they pulled at my heart strings as I said goodbye Monday morning. Lili was bawling as Clint pulled out of the garage, it was so sad.

Monday night was lonely.  I didn't talk to anyone, but I did have a lovely view of the city buildings from my hotel room.  It was beautiful. 

Tuesday was a bonus day and the start of this great week.  I picked out my favorite shirt for the week and headed out early to be a part of judging for the quilt competition.  That was fun!  I was able to see all the quilts before the show started and I was part of picking out the Best of Show.  What a task, but it was fun and I felt more at ease with my upcoming teaching after I left. 

I had my own classroom all week - it was all "official" with the sign.  

I was able to meet some amazing ladies, I could only get five of them in this picture.  They put me at ease and we had the best time in the classroom.  I can not thank them enough for taking my classes, they were so good to me. 

After the first classes, I felt more at home in the classroom and I realized how fun it is to teach.  I didn't realize that this is where I would be headed with my quilting, but I am so grateful that I get to teach what I love to do.  

I had a great time with Elaine Brelsford, Executive Editor for AQS Publishing.  It was fun to chat with her and she helped me feel at ease when I had to get in front of the camera.  I was taped 3 different times and that was new to me, I know there will be a very long blooper reel of me being ridiculous that hopefully never surfaces - fingers crossed ;-)
 
 One of the best parts of the show was being reunited for a moment with my Queen's Cross quilt.  It is making the rounds throughout the AQS QuiltWeek shows in the Author's Exhibit, so I haven't had this quilt in my possession for a long time.  It is a favorite of mine and I just loved seeing it hung up so beautifully.

  After a very long show I was able to put my feet up for a minute.  It was amazing.  The week went so fast, I am happy to say I had only one, very short breakdown (because I missed my family) on Friday. Being away from them for a week was tough, but we made it through. 

I had the chance to go through the show book and saw my quilts pictured on the AQS QuiltWeek page.  This was a total honor!  Thank you AQS!!

  The best part of the week was getting to know the other instructors.  I have made some lifelong friends and I feel so blessed to have gotten to know Linda and Melinda.  They are two very talented women!  I met some other great instructors but sadly didn't get pictures with them.  Next time for sure! 

I made it home.  I almost missed my connection in Salt Lake City.  I literally ran from gate C to E and had one minute to spare.  I felt like I was in a movie and everyone was watching the crazy lady running in the airport.  I was so excited to be home though and didn't care one bit that they were watching. 

Seriously, there is no place like home. 


26 comments:

Auntie Pami said...

I if I hadn't been so sick I would have met you Monday . So glad you did well. You deserve nothing but success! Glad you are home with the family.

Carla said...

So good to hear you enjoyed your week. I wondered how you'd do without seeing your family for the duration...even a week is so very hard for a Wife/Mother!
I'll bet you were a delightful teacher, by whom everyone was charmed.

YelloRose said...

I was at the quilt show too. I saw you speak Wed night. We all knew you were new to this thing, but sure thought you were cute! It gets easier with time! You did great & will keep getting better with time. You do such beautiful work! I love your book & can't wait to take a class from you someday!

Unknown said...

Miss sitting on the floor and chatting and taking the pressure off our tootsies. You were a highlight for me in Phoenix with your smile!

ChristaQuilts said...

It was a great show. I went for a day to check out all the awesome modern quilts. I'm so pleased with how they were judged - so well done to you and the judging team.

Although my entry didn't win, the winners truly deserved it :-) It gives me the encouragement to enter more of my modern quilts in shows!

Busy Quilting said...

I am really looking forward to my classes with you in Australia in October. We won't be hard on you, since that will be a really long trip away from the family.

Lyn

Lesley said...

Congratulations for having such a successful week! Thanks for sharing your adventures!

Nedra said...

It was so nice to see you at AQS/Phoenix :) And so wonderful to see your success. I knew the minute I met you when you first moved to St. G that good things were ahead.

Connie said...

Hi Judi: I went to the Phoenix show JUST to see your quilts...amazing, I was not disappointed. I also purchased your book which is equally amazing. I will be trying your techniques on my Bernina. You are one very talented young woman. Connie in California

Barb said...

I so enjoyed your post. YOu keep it real, you missed your family, you had knots in your stomach over teaching and judging....but yet, you did it!!! AND LOVE IT!!! Glad you are home.

Sue's Stitchin' said...

Congrats on getting over your travelling woes - the sky is the limit now!! Are you coming to Chicago any time soon?

Bonnie B - The Quilting Tangler said...

Judi: It was fun to finally get to meet you in person at the Phoenix show.... and, I know that my blooper reel is much longer than yours. Just glad that we have Allan, our videographer, who can edit well. I'm glad you enjoyed your teaching experience at AQS QuiltWeek - it is so much fun to see the eyes of the students light up when they are learning something new.

Barb N said...

Your class was the highlight of my trip to the AQS show - it was my Christmas gift from my dear hubby (I think I'll keep him.) And I also enjoyed learning about your path to becoming a published author. Your next classes will be a breeze! BTW, the E Concourse in SLC is always a bear - run there to make sure they haven't called your flight yet, and if not, only then can you visit the bathroom. :)

Barb N said...

Me again. Thought I'd mention that this week I've put your techniques to work on a quilt of mine, and it got rave reviews from our quilt guild meeting. Thanks!

Barbie Mills said...

Your Queen's Cross quilt is stunning!
I can't wait until HMQS. =)
Glad you survived the week away from your family.

Kimberly said...

Congratulations Judi! I knew you'd be a complete success! I'm so happy for you!

Kimberly said...

Congratulations Judi! I knew you'd be a complete success! I'm so happy for you!

QuiltyGal said...

Hi Judi! And congrats! It tickled me so much because I got to know alittle about you from your blog and then I got to see your Queen's Cross on Saturday. Unfortunately, I couldn't come to any of your classes, but I did get your book and and just love it!

Huggles!

Charlotte said...

Hi Judy...I finished my Serendipity block this morning...soaked it and ready for it to dry. Great class, Thanks!

Kate C said...

So glad to hear that this was such a good week for you! I really hope that someday I will be able to take a class with you, in the meantime your book is a great inspiration and full of helpful info!

Donna S. said...

You have so much talent...it is funny to me that you were nervous. I wish I could just do part of what you can do. Glad you had a good time & are back home!!

Beth said...

Judi, I had a blast in your class and I think you were brave to tackle all that in your 1st solo trip! You did good, girl!
Beth in AZ

Unknown said...

Cute new shoes!! what are they?

Helen L said...

I loved reading your post about your trip! Were the quilting classes on the long-arm or home machines? And would you let us know the next time you get signed up to teach? There are plenty of us who would like to tap into your wonderfully talented brain! (I do have your book and it is inspiring, but I quilt on a home machine, so I definitely stall when it comes to the quilting!! Loved your pics from the air: I love to fly but hate the security checks!! Hugs, H in Healdsburg

Donna said...

Two of my friends took your class In Pheonix and LOVED it. I hope you will teach again next year so I can take it. Please keep us updated on all your future classes.
You are a fantastic inspiration. And you do it with all your other obligations! Keep up the good work!

Theresa said...

Saw your quilts in Phoenix.....breathtaking!! My favorite part is the quilting and yours just so hard to put in words how beautiful they are... Thanks for sharing your talent