> ~ Insights by SewCalGal ~

Monday, July 9, 2012

Road to California Quilter's Conference and Showcase

Why do you take classes and/or attend a Quilt Show?  Is it to learn?  For inspiration?  Or, to shop?
There really isn't a right or wrong answer as great shows offer something for everyone. But, I'd be interesting in hearing your thoughts on this subject.

Today, I want to share a few insights about the Road to California Quilter's Conference and Showcase.  I'll be sharing some beautiful quilts, from the 2013 show, that have beautiful free-motion quilting. And, I'll share a few insights about some of the classes scheduled at this quilter's conference in 2013.  I'd love to have you come join the fun!

In case you haven't guessed, I do attend shows and take classes to be able to expand my world of quilting and skill set, as well as to find inspiration.  I usually pick a purpose when I attend a show and lately, I've been on a quest to find quilts with beautiful free-motion quilting.  Regardless of being done on a longarm or on a domestic sewing machine, I enjoy seeing beautiful free-motion quilting that makes the quilt become even more beautiful.  Thus, while I'm sharing insights about the 2013 Road to California show, I'm also delighted to be able to share with you photos of some stunning quilts that were displayed at the 2012 show.

First, I want to share photos of a beautiful quilt made by Diane Loomis.  Diane is a very talented quilter and teacher, who has won many awards for her quilts that she has made on a domestic sewing machine (and does her own free-motion quilting on a domestic sewing machine).
This particular quilt of Diane's is called "Five Bar Blues" and it too has won many awards.

Five Bar Blues is one of those quilts that is beautiful from a distance, but the free motion quilting definitely draws in the viewer to look closer and enjoy every stitch!

Every year this show continues to amaze show attendees and delight those that attend classes and tours.  The 2013 Quilt Show is schedule in January 24th-27th, with classes and tours being offered before and during the show schedule

Road to California Quilter's Conference and Showcase
Show Hours
Thursday - Saturday 9:30am - 6pm
Sunday 10:30am - 3:30pm

There are many wonderful classes for those interested in art quilts, applique, piecing, longarm quilting, free-motion quilting on a domestic machine, and many more classes.  This show is also conveniently located in near airports, that make it easy to access for quilters coming from around the world.  Plus, for those that bring their families with them, Disneyland and many other fun attractions are nearby.


You'll find spectacular quilts on exhibit at this show and world class teachers at very reasonable prices.


Did I mention that the quilts on exhibit are inspirational?  This beautiful quilt was made and quilted by Tammy Murphy. And, she appropriately named it "Hearts a Flutter".  Tammy is a longarm quilter that lives in Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada.  Isn't this an inspirational quilt?  



The 2013 Class schedule is now officially open for registration and filling up quickly!  For a complete Class schedule and description visit:  http://www.road2ca.com/classINFO.html


Here are a few highlights of classes that caught my attention, but don't forget to check their complete list of classes:



Monday, January 21st
#1004 - Quilting the Modern Quilt, with Angela Walters
#1005 - Mindful Meandering, with Laura Lee Fritz

Tuesday, January 22nd
#2004 - Moving Beyond Feathers, with Angela Walters
#2005 - Ropes, Braids, and Classic Feather Variations, with Laura Lee Fritz

Wednesday, January 23rd
#3006 - Free Motion Quilting Made Easy, with Judy Woodworth
#3008 - Quilting Negative Space, with Angela Walters
#9308 - Road Trip to Hoffman Fabrics and Kellog House Tour

Thursday, January 24th
#4004 - Open Threadbar, with Cindy Needham
#4007 - Painting Wholecloth Fabric, with Judy Coates Perez
#4010 - Lone Starburst Magic, with Kimberly S Einmo
#4015 - Machine Quilting Essentials, with Sue Nickels
#4501 - Scan your Stash and Paper Piece with Electric Quilt, with Linda Mandeotti
#8404 - Continuous Line Quilting, with Laura Lee Fritz

Friday, January 25th
#5004 - Ready, Set, Go...Let's Quilt, with Cindy Needham  ***Sold Out***
#5015 - Fancy Feathers, with Sue Nickels
#5016 - Beauty in Check, with Janice Ellertson ***Sold Out***

Saturday, January 26th
#6004 - Heirloom Feathers and Backgrounds, with Cindy Needham **** Sold Out***
#6016 - The Finished Edge, with Sue Nickels

Sunday, January 27th
#7004 - Linen Ladies Club, with Cindy Needham
#7014 - Folk Garden Borders Machine Applique, with Sue Nickels

Monday, January 28th
#9800 - The Perfect Ending, Roadtrip #2 to Robert Kaufman Fabrics and the Garment District

One of the many quilts that caught my attention at the 2012 Show, was made by Pat Blair .  She named this quilt "My Kind of Dragons" and it has beautiful free-motion quilting/threadplay.
Pat is also a teacher.   You can check her site for her schedule, or for information to contact her to have her come teach in your area.


For Online Registration visit:  registration for classes 


And, for those on Facebook, you can also "like" the Road to California Quilters Conference & Showcase hear current insights on this fun show.


Road to California Quilters Conference & Showcase


I hope you'll come join me at this fun show.  I'm certainly looking forward to it.  And, don't forget, I'd really like to hear why you attend classes and/or quilt shows.


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6 comments:

Kim said...

Wow!
that is some machine quilting isn't it?
Ummmm I better get back to practicing!

I love to be dazzled at shows with quilts like these. There is no end to what can be done with quilting!

Happy sewing

Lynette said...

Amazing. :) THank you for sharing and for all the links. Going hunting now!

Newbie Jen said...

I go to quilt shows for inspiration, and I like to take classes that promise to teach me a new technique.

I'm headed to Road this year too. I was lucky enough to get into Cindy Needham's class before it filled - trying to further those free motion skills!!!!

SpartanBabe said...

Wow! My main reason for attending shows ans classes is to get inspired. I really want to get better at FMQ and seeing what these folks can do really gets me excited about someday doing my own inspirational work!

The Quilted Dog said...

I go to workshops typically to focus on a specific skill or spend time with a favorite instructor. This year, it is all about FMQ and Cindy Needham: I get both! Well taught workshops are invaluable -- you have the time to really get a feel for the skill you're learning and the guidance on how to move forward after the workshop is over. I love the camaraderie with the other students and learning more about my own vision as a quilter.

Quilt Shows are pure spectator sport! I go to be inspired, enthralled, amazed and impressed. There is the beauty of faultless technique and the wonder of the infinite imagination of quilters. My 'thing' is color, and I love beautifully balanced quilts like Pat Blair's My Kind of Dragons. Exquisite!

Dana Gaffney said...

Sitting here dreaming, this is one of the shows I would love to attend. I've only been to two local shows, so inspiration only, although at a big show I would love to attend a class, if I could calm down enough to pay attention.