Why I Love Quilt Shows

Chautauqua Athenaeum HotelIn a dead heat to finish No River Too Wide, and instead of blogging I thought I would share photos of Quilting Around Chautauqua this past weekend.

I signed books at the Millcreek Sewing and Fabric booth both days. When I wasn’t signing and talking to my fabulous readers, I had a chance to see a bit of the show. Unfortunately we didn’t get photos of the quilts displayed from the various local quilt guilds. I think we got mesmerized and forgot to snap.

Most of these are from the vendor area in the historic Athenaeum Hotel, (1881) which is the oldest wooden hotel still in use east of the Mississippi. Since Thomas Edison was a frequent resident at Chautauqua Institution, the hotel was also one of the first to have electric lights.

Chautauqua Emilie

The quilt behind me is Trip Around the World from Eleanor Burns, who was a guest lecturer at the show and always a star wherever she goes.

The show is an annual event and this year had about 4,000 attendees. Next year my buddy Pat Sloan will be one of two fabulous quilter guests, and Karen Kay Buckley will be the other. You’d better believe I’ll be here.

Chautauqua Dutch Quilter

I was delighted to find an old friend among the vendors, Lennie Hencoop, the Dutch Quilter, and I sat side-by-side at Road to California several years ago and had wonderful chats. It was a delight to find here at this show and catch up a little.

I also had a chance to meet Diane Phalen and get an autographed copy of her new print Quilting Around Chautauqua. She is absolutely delightful. Wouldn’t it be great if I do another Shenandoah Album book and she did the cover?  Be still my heart.

Chautauqua Shopping

Of course in the end, in addition to wonderful classes, speakers and quilt displays, it was also about shopping. If you’ve ever been to a show, this won’t surprise you.

I’ll be back next year to see the fun, and it will be fun with Pat in residence. Hope some of you have the chance to enjoy it, too.

 

13 Comments

  1. Marsha Markham on October 1, 2013 at 9:35 am

    It was fun to see those pictures. Even thought I half way grew up (until I was 13 1/2) nearby, in Jamestown, I’ve never been to the Institute…hopefully I’ll correct that one day. Hope you have a successful day writing.

    • Emilie Richards on October 1, 2013 at 10:22 am

      Spent yesterday getting my new laptop in shape to use. I always hate figuring out new computers, but I’ll persevere. I hope you do have a chance to visit the Institution in the future. It’s a lovely place.

  2. Evelyn Ferguson on October 1, 2013 at 10:46 am

    Our guild is in the middle of our show at historic Monthaven Mansion in Hendersonville, TN. It runs until October 9th. So many beautiful quilts in a wonderful setting.

    • Emilie Richards on October 1, 2013 at 10:48 am

      The setting really makes a difference, doesn’t it? Enjoy what sounds like a lovely exhibit.

  3. Carol Sager on October 1, 2013 at 11:57 am

    I enjoyed your Shenandoah Album series. A friend shared the book with me and what a surprise that the book was talking about Toms Brook where I grew up and it made me feel like I was part of the book. All the places you mention like the drug store in Woodstock and other areas in the valley. I lived in that area for 60 years before moving to central Virginia at Lake Anna. I enjoyed the books and shared them with my three daughters and it also made them feel like they were a part of the books. I have enjoyed reading most of your other books. Keep up the great job.

    • Emilie Richards on October 1, 2013 at 2:47 pm

      I am so glad you enjoyed them and they brought back good memories.

  4. Mary Preston on October 4, 2013 at 6:33 pm

    I’m not a quilter. It’s a gift I admire though. I saw an exhibition of quilts not that long ago. Some were hand quilted. Just so beautiful.

  5. Tanya Brownley on October 7, 2013 at 11:20 am

    I love quilts! and your books!

  6. Nancy of IN on October 9, 2013 at 2:34 pm

    I also love quilt shows. Wow the talent of the quilters and the creativity. The bonus is meeting a well-known or not-so-well known quilter.
    My next quilt show is one in Bloomington, IN. Have you ever been there?

    • Emilie Richards on October 9, 2013 at 3:16 pm

      I haven’t been to that one. I hope you have a wonderful time.

  7. Lori K on October 16, 2013 at 2:29 pm

    Dang it! If I had known you were going to be at the Institute, I would have definitely made the trip to see you. Hopefully I will get to see you next year. Love all of your books and especially since you incorporate my favorite past time into them – quilting.

  8. Sara Brockunier on October 17, 2013 at 4:40 pm

    Oh, I love to quilt and quilt shows really inspire me. Went to a huge quilt show in Maine this past July over 600 quilts

    • Emilie Richards on October 18, 2013 at 8:01 am

      I was a speaker at the Maine show some years sgo. A great event. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

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