Fun With Barb - How to Get Some

Yesterday I finished this new sample for my "Applique The Fun and Easy Way" workshop.  I decided to make it a tribute to my hero, mentor, teacher and friend, Gwen Marston.

It highlights all the good stuff that Gwen has taught me;  split borders, mix matched borders, mix matched prints, liberated houses, 

and the importance of berries.....I could go on and on.

It came a long way from beginning steps and attempts, as all my quilts do.

This hung around for about 2-3 days I decided it was too controlled.

It's not rocket science is it?  The great thing about folk art is it ISN'T perfect dahling.

Getting a note from Gwen is always a fun occurrence.  Her zest for life always comes through.

Now I'm honored to be teaching her style and my own methods to guilds and groups and I love it!

Spring Schedule:

April 1 & 2, I'm presenting my Scrap Lecture/Trunk show and Liberated House Workshop at the Lake and Mountain Guild in Seneca, SC.

April 9,  I'll be with the Four County Quilters in Mt. Airy, MD with my Scrap Lecture/Trunk Show.

April 10 & 11, I'll be with the CAMACO Quilters in Cape May  NJ for the Scrap Quilt Lecture and a Applique' workshop.

May 2, 3 and 4 I'll be in Texas with the Quilters Guild of Dallas.  I'm presenting  Quilts: The Story of My Life and teaching Liberated Houses & Hex Vex (epp) workshops.

 You can check out my programs on a tab at the top of this blog.  Be sure to check "web version" if you are on a smartphone, or tablet.  You scroll to the bottom and look for this:

You can also just email me at barb.vedder@gmail.com 

I hope to see a lot of you this spring!

xo

Extra Special Exhibits

Thank you for your nice comments on my Ribbons at the VQF.

Today I'm posting the Antique Quilts and Gwen's "Less is More" exhibit.

First up Gwen's exhibit.  She had told me earlier this year that her quilts would be there, but she wouldn't.  I would have loved to see her, but seeing her quilts was nearly as good.

The texture she created here with her hand quilting is fabulous!

I loved gazing at a group in the exhibit.

 I think this was my favorite.  It was so exuberant, lively and fun!

And here are the Antique Quilts.  I was surprised and delighted that photography WAS allowed.   hooray!

This quilt is wild - it starts as a log cabin then goes crazy.  It was all hand pieced and hand quilted.

Did you know they don't call this cheddar in Vermont?  Their creamy rich cheddar is white and it is good!

 Aaahhhh lovely.  Look at that kooky block near the center  :)

Love the combination of the streak of lightning and the tasseled swag.  YES!

 Up in the sky:  it's a bird, it's a plane - nope it's more quilts!

 That is where I spied this bow tie beauty.

And sitting quietly off to the side was this phenomenal whitework quilt.

Obviously this quilt should have won Best Hand Quilting; not me.

Happy Fourth to my fellow Americans!

News Alert - I am hosting the 3rd annual Fun With Barb Block Swap.  I will be announcing the sign up and theme on August 1st.
xo

Gwen Marston & Quilt Along

Good Monday Morning!

I received a nice note from Gwen Marston about her one woman show at the Dennos museum in Traverse City, MI.  The exhibit is stunning and gallery space is perfect for showcasing her work.   She sent me a link to a slide show with 100 photos.  Click HERE to see them.

If you've read my blog for awhile, you know that I consider Gwen a mentor as well as a friend.  Her philosophy and work ethic has informed my quilting journey.  Thanks Gwen.

The museum recorded Gwen's 45 minute lecture and it here it is.  How wonderful that we can enjoy it from our couch.   I've heard Gwen lecture many many times but I am always inspired and awed by her insight and point of view.

Make a cup of tea and enjoy!




Hooray!  Lori is presenting another quilt along for us.  Join in the fun.  It's always fun to have a new little project.  Click here for the link to MidWinter Blues.

Here are my sets -

I've decided to double down.  I've made 2 sets and will make 2 little quilts.  I plan to set them with different colors.

Fabric ABP!  My Mothers Garden quilt was saved by a generous woman in Michigan.  She sent me some of the background so I could finish my quilt.  She is desperately searching for this fabric.  It is from the Windham Presidents Collection line.  Do you have any?  Please leave a comment and I'll get you her info.

Please search your stash for this:

How can all this primrose beauty cost me only $1.67 at the grocery store?

Thanks Stop and Shop.   Have a great Week everyone!