Missing Post - ooops

I found out I wasn't supposed to share even a sneak peeks on social media - ooops.

I'll share here the other parts of the post.....which isn't much.

I found another great example of Large Baptist Fan quilting on this antique log cabin quilt.
I've been nursing a sprained back (which is a bummer)!!  But with a little help I got my seedlings planted along with some pansies.

 my nasturtium seedlings :)

 potted mint for tea and a little solar mason jar I picked up at the hardware store.

Sale on Etsy.  I have a 20% off everything in my Etsy store through June 5th.  I don't think you need a code, but if you get that prompt it is FANFUN.

Did you watch the Preakness?  Justify is quite a horse!  He likes to get muddy.

Could he be the next Triple Crown Winner?  I'm gong to root for him for sure!  It's been three years since American Pharoah.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!

xo

Sharing - All Quilts Matter

All Quilts take planning and time to create.  They are all a reflection of the makers vision.  I would not be the quilter I am today if Quilters before me had not shared their work.

A group of Berry Basket Quilters shared a whole day with me making Liberated Houses. They were such a talented and nice group!  Thank you for spending the day with me.

here are some of their houses~

Blair brought her beautiful basket quilt to share with me.  She is quilting it with my Baptist Fan Stencil.  I love her smile!  and Carole is obviously in awe behind her.

Susan shared her Evening Star quilt.  I've made this beauty twice.  Her version is spectacular!

I recently heard from Quilts Inc. that my Mother's Garden quilt was accepted to exhibit in Houston this fall.  I'm so happy to be sharing this with a wider audience.

Janet of Mrs. Sew n' Sew blog took my encouragement to heart and entered her fabulous Bird of Paradise Quilt and it will be on display this year!  This quilt will be shared with so many people who will be inspired by it.

I am so happy that they offer a place to "exhibit" as well as  "compete".  Just because you might feel a quilt isn't "prize worthy", or  even good enough to get in a juried show, doesn't mean that it doesn't have great value to viewers of the show.

Like quilt shows?  Enter a quilt!  My favorite show is a Guild Show.  That is where I see (achievable) unique and original work.  Here is some from the Northern Star Quilters  recent show.

 I think this was my favorite - there is a charming little mistake in it which made me smile.

 Best in Show

Wonderful version of Florence Peto's Calico Garden quilt - this one is for you Barbara S.

 I loved this unique modern quilt!

I entered my Snowflower OBW quilt.  I loved every single part of making this quilt.

My friend, Elizabeth, won a red ribbon for her version of a Sue Garman applique' quilt pattern.

Norma won a HM for her charming Witch Quilt.

Speaking of sharing, Lori of Humble Quilts shared our mutual friends, Susan McD's quilts from the QuiltFest of NJ.  Click the link above to see and read more.

We as a community should take time to share our quilts and to support our sister quilters.  Go to shows, enter shows, read blogs and leave a comment.  Be encouraging.

As you can tell I'm very passionate about this subject.  If you are too, consider sharing this post to Spread the word of Sharing!

xo

News Flash

Hello!

I've decided to celebrate the arrival of spring with a Etsy Sale!  All Items are 20% off.   Click here to visit my Shop.

In other News, I have a new Lecture ~

Inspiration! - Interpretation to Celebration
PowerPoint Presentation illustrating how and where to find inspiration and develop it into your own work.  Concepts of transformation, color, scale, composition will be covered.  The importance of editing and auditioning.  I will discuss techniques for staying engaged through completion and the importance of celebrating our work.  
1 hour with trunk show of quilts

I also have two new workshops to instruct and inspire~

Lollipop Garden - New 2018

A fun workshop that teaches quilters how to make perfect circles! This is a sewing machine class where students will learn the technique of  finished edge machine applique'.   Students will also learn how to make the foundation string border.  This class is great for all skill levels.
Full Day Workshop.  Class limit 20.
Kit fee required which includes pattern and circles.

Magic Medallions - New 2018

Using leftovers, strips, UFO or swap blocks, learn how to compose different elements into a cohesive pleasing composition.  Students can work in a liberated way or traditional style.  Students will learn principles of drafting, resizing blocks and the importance of auditioning.  This is a hands on design class for all level of quilters.
Full Day Workshop - 20 student limit.

Some Nice things people have said about my programs and workshops:

"I've known Barb for over 20 years and have watched her grow from dedicated student to accomplished artist.  Her approach to quilting is both studied and fun.  She can speak with knowledge and humor on any style and tradition of quilt making.  Her workshops encourage quilters to expand their boundaries, make their own work and enjoy the process."

Gwen Marston 

Teacher, Author and Friend

"Barb Vedder is a terrific Speaker.  Her lectures are fun and engaging and her quilts are spectacular.
Our Guild also enjoyed her Workshop.  We'd love to have her back again!"
Doreen Johnson
President of Centreville Quilter's Unlimited, VA


"Barb Vedder is an award winning, talented quilter and an encouraging and generous teacher. In her lectures,  hear about her quilting journey and be awed by the variety and workmanship of her quilts.
In her workshops, you’ll learn lots of techniques and be inspired to create your own quilts.  When she visits your group you really will have Fun with Barb!"
Nancy Strife
Vice President/Program Chair of Brownstone Quilters, NJ

"Barb's presentation of her quilting journey was amazing! She captivated the guild with her stories and inspired many to “think” about doing a little appliqué and designing their own works of art!"
Silver City Quilt Guild of Taunton, MA

Yikes, that is enough shameless self promotion for one post - or forever!

I'll be back soon with a regular post.

Happy Spring!

xo

May-hem Muchness

This is Renata's quilt with my fan stencil machine quilting.  Love it! Goes so great on this quilt.  She did a great job!

At the Quilt show in NJ I ran into Jean and she had her finished churn dash quilt with her.  What fun!

Yay!

I finished my first block of the Chrome Yellow 4-block quilt project.  It matches my green/yellow arborvitae. 

 It also looks nice with my daffodils and grape hyacinth.  YES spring has arrived in CT finally!!

I love the crisp look of a freshly finished and pressed applique' block.  I steam press it from the back on a fluffy bath towel.  I use a spray bottle of plain water to create the steam as I NEVER add water to my iron anymore.

I received several comments about my rag balls.  First I will confess, they aren't balls from strips of fabric.  They are balls of batting strips that I cover with strips that I trim from my quilt backings.  

 Rag balls were made of strips of old clothing and rolled into ball to later be used to make rag rugs and weaving.  

 I have heard of modern day quilters using selvages to tie up garden plants.

 I like them as a remembrance of the quilts I've made.  The sweet pink one below is from my Mother's Garden quilt.

 There fun to look at and if I was better at juggling, they would be good for that :)

As reported on Instagram - my Jubilee quilt is home after traveling to Houston and Chicago.

 OMG - I am missing  line of quilting by my initial and just noticed it after 5 major shows, lol.  Will take care of that soon.

They sent me show books and nice patches for my quilt.  It was a great experience and I highly recommend you enter any one of there special exhibits.    click here to see what they are calling for this year.

 What a nice touch - they packed it beautifully with lots of acid free tissue and this note which included the packers name.

And finally, we golfed for the first time last weekend with our golf buddies.  Anyone else out there golf?  I love to spend the time outside with Mr. Fun and friends.

of course I mostly love to go out to eat before or after and have a cocktail :)
Can you believe the carts had GPS so we knew exactly how far the cup was?

  Oooops, too much talking and looking in the weeds for my pink golf balls.  

Happy May!  It's Derby Day on Saturday - woo hoo!! 
xo