Quiltcon 2020
Last week, I had the rare opportunity to attend a conference and visit with family, kid-free, for 9 days! It was refreshing to take care of only one human, not 3, for a time. I was so deep in relaxation mode that I went somewhat unplugged. I tried to be present, listen well, and really connect. I attended Quiltcon 2020 in Austin, TX! And it was wonderful! I took 3 workshops, attended lectures, bought supplies, tested long arm machines, and wandered through the beautiful exhibition of modern quilts. I became immersed in all things quilting. I met people I admire. I heard stories of grandmothers, inspiration, process, and most of all, the answer to why we quilt, love of course. To be around so many people who share that love gave me an energy I don’t often reach in my day-to-day. My studio work can sometimes isolate me, and that energy I felt was connection, belonging. So I’d like to foster more of that connection and good energy in my daily life. This is the reason we were first so enthusiastic about social media back in the early 2000’s! It allowed us to connect, to ourselves, the parts of us long forgotten and rediscovered in old friends, and if we are lucky, it allows us to find our people, the ones we have yet to meet, however far away they are in the world. So, to all of you quilters, natural dyers, fiber artists, and moms, thanks for giving me a sense of belonging. I wouldn’t have the strength to make my work if it weren’t for you, friends.
Day 1 of Quiltcon I attended the Plant Lady Workshop with Sarah Sharp. It was a foundation paper piecing workshop focused on plant-shaped blocks. I had a lot of fun and the 3 hours zoomed by! I managed to finish my block just in time!
After my workshop, I went to look at the quilts on exhibit. It was a wonderful show, filled with precise, beautiful, artistic work. I systematically made my way through the whole show, not stopping, gobbling up every bit of inspiration as if quilts were my main food group. Here are some of my favorites from the show…
After stumbling out of the maze of quilts, I ventured into the vendor hall, and most notably, spent a good deal of time with a Handiquilter representative, trying out their long-arm machines. I left that day completely exhausted, and yet somehow energized.
Day 2 of Quiltcon began with a Yoga for Quilters class with Heidi Parkes. It was lovely to stretch after travelling and I was enthused to start the day. As I was gathering up my things after class, I saw the most beautiful quilted coat on the back of a chair. Its owner was gathering her belongings as well, and I told her how much I liked it. After a few minutes of talking, she told me her business name, and I was floored, because I am a huge admirer of her work and her story. It was Laura of Vacilando Quilting, and if you haven’t seen her work, especially her new quilted coats, you should check them out here. She was lovely and it was pretty cool to meet someone with whom I’ve felt connected through social media.
After yoga, I had another “Instagram quilting celebrities are real people, just like me” moment, listening to Arianna of Quiltkween give a lecture on “Finding Your Voice.” It was amazing to hear about her journey, the uncertainty she had at the beginning of it all, and the discovery of her style. It reminded me that we all have to start somewhere, and one day maybe I too will reach the “quilting celebrity” status that only can be fully realized when disclosing your Instagram handle at an international modern quilting conference. Haha. Dream baby, dream.
Now let’s all pretend I didn’t spend several hours traversing the vendor hall and buying lots of “supplies” (i.e. presents for myself). I attended another lecture on Quilt Design, ate some tacos downtown, and went to my 2nd workshop, Super Fast Portrait Quilts with Shruti Dandekar. She was delightful and innovative, and I finished a black & white quilt top of Marilyn Monroe in our 3 hours.
The next day was extra special because I slept in and then went to a workshop down the street from my Airbnb at Practice Yoga Austin, of which my guru/online yoga teacher Adriene Mishler is a co-owner. I’ve been doing her yoga videos for years, first on You Yube, and now on her membership site. I’ve done her 30-day January yoga challenge for the last 3 years, and this class with her colleague Stacie did not disappoint! It was amazing! I went to Victoria Findlay Wolfe’s lecture overflowing with joy. That too, was uplifting and energizing.
During the weekend, I ran into Arianna and Victoria and told them how much I loved their talks, and they were both so lovely and seemed so grateful to hear that feedback. I was reminded again, nerves will always be there, because we love this thing, and we’re invested in it, and giving a shit means there will always be butterflies in our bellies. Hooray for emotion!
Next was a lecture by Heidi Parkes, quilter and my Friday morning yoga teacher! She does all handwork and spoke about designing a series, which is exactly how I’m currently working, so I really enjoyed her talk.
Then, like the food and culture-obsessed daredevil I am, I took a Lyft to Rainey St. during my hour and 15 minute break. It was packed! Like a culinary, beverage-filled street party with a food truck every 10 steps. The day was gorgeous and I savored a little bit of that Austin culture before heading back.
My last workshop was a Long-Arm workshop with Joanna Marsh. She was amazing! Such an unbelievable teacher, and so talented. We learned to use rulers, and in my case, learned to use a long-arm! I left feeling so much more capable than I imagined. One day in the coming years, I will get one of these beauties! And hey, I might start renting time on one at a local shop. My sweet little Janome serves me well for now, but I’m letting myself dream big! And to quilt bigger quilts by machine, you need a long-arm.
A little sad to go, I left the Austin Convention Center Saturday night with a revived spirit, full of hope and curiosity. Sunday morning, I began my travels across the state of Texas to see family I haven’t seen in years. I got to connect and feel belonging once again, in a manner altogether different, and yet so full of love. When I came home, I was so excited to see my kids. We snuggled and laughed and I still have that sense of peace that I brought home last Thursday. I aim to carry it into my studio today, and hold it close. I’ve been on a long journey, and it feels incredible to finally know myself, what I want, and where I belong. If you’re reading this, you are my hero. Reach out. Let’s connect. Thanks for listening.
