In My Backyard February 10 2016

February started with the Port Saint Lucie Crazy Quilters Quilting in Paradise Show February 4-6th.  What made this show extra special was that it was in my own backyard.  I was not only a vendor at the show, but I am also a member of the guild.  I had an amazing opportunity to show the girls what we offer at Red Thread Studio.  As an online retailer, this is priceless.

The show even got some airtime in the local paper, The TC Palm.  You can see some photos of the show in the TC Palm Photo Gallery.

I was also honored to be part of the Member Challenge committee with Nancy S. (left) and Perlie P. (right).  

The theme this year for the Member Challenge was My Hometown.  Since many of our guild members are transplants from other states or snowbirds, we had a a nice sampling of different states (and countries).  My entry was #9 - Aurora, City of Lights (top right). To my surprise, I had a show attendee come to the booth to say hello.  She was from Batavia, Illinois, a neighboring town!

First place Nancy P. with Sanibel #6, second place June C. with Carousel #18, third place Jane G. with Apples #13 and honorable mention Eyvonne S. with Cherries Yum #5.

We also had some special guests that visited the booth.  Luckily I got the memo to wear red and white polka dots that day!

Friday saw record attendance.  A big part of this was the program to celebrate National Wear Red Day and Go Red For Women as February is American Heart Month‪.  We asked attendees to wear red on Friday, February 5th for a chance to win a gift basket (valued at $1,000).  In addition, three beautiful heart quilts were auctioned to raise money for the American Heart Association.  Here is one of those quilts.

Darling, don't I look marvelous?  Attendees could also 'try on' this gorgeous red dress for a photo opportunity.  The Red Dress quilt was on loan from designer and quilter Teri Henderson Tope.

As a vendor, I also got to award a vendor ribbon to the quilt of my choice.  With the help of my daughter Grace (age 8), we selected Pebbles by Kathy R. which also got second in the Group category.  We love it, don't you?

I was also honored to help piece our raffle quilt 'You Hosta Love It' and delighted that our very own Margy M, Raffle Quilt Chairperson and Coordinator Extraordinaire won the quilt!

And the most special part of this show was that on Saturday, I was able to share the experience with my daughter and my grandmother.  As always, my mom Kathy was there helping me.  

So here is my favorite photo:  Four Generations of Quilters

Here are a few of my favorite quilts from the show.  Which ones were your favorites?

Best of Show - Summers Delight by Sheila Q.

Best Hand Quilting - Almost Amish by Sharon H.

First Place Group - Out of the Box Design Group from Jupiter, FL.

From left to right:  

• Iris by Nancy I.
• Bells of Ireland by Waynette P.
• Lucky Little Lady Bug by Nancy S.
• Double Delight by Shay K.
• He Loves Me by Margy M.
• Sunkissed by Theresa O.
• Floating Flowers by Elinor D.
• Butterfly Delight by Barbara U.

Second Place Group - One of several quilts in the group Journey Thru Art - Famous Female Faces, I really liked Carmen Miranda by Marian McCoin.

First Place Large/Medium Appliqué - My Whimsical Garden by Margy M. 

Honorable Mention Large/Medium Appliqué - Happy by Joey M. and quilted by Karen M. (Creative Longarm Quilting)

First Place Medium Pieced - Grape Soda by Theresa O.

Second Place Medium Pieced - Colorful Selvages by Eyvonne S.

Cathedral Windows by Karen Rollins

The Grand Hotel by Valerie Y.