So…..this time next week, I will be teaching my very first class at MQX New Hampshire!! I am excited and nervous all at the same time!! I feel like I have been getting ready for the last six weeks!! Phew!! Thankfully, I have had the help of my Mom, my daughter and a couple of friends who have helped me try to think of everything that will be needed. I can’t believe all the work that goes in to preparing to teach at a show!!! I keep on telling myself that once I have it all done one time, then from there on out it will be easier…….lol!!! Not sure if that is true or not, but time will tell!! Thankfully, my friend, Cissy, will be travelling with me and helping me juggle everything…..what a blessing that will be!!!
In preparation for teaching, I have reached out to a couple of well known longarmers/teachers, and they have been so kind and helpful to me. Jamie Wallen encouraged me to apply to teach, which is the reason I was able to get up enough courage to give it a try and he was also very helpful in suggestions as a instructor. Lisa Calle has been a wealth of information and has answered all of my questions, and believe me, I have had many, and there have been numerous emails exchanged. I will never be able to thank her enough!! I can only hope that one day I can do the same for someone else!!
As some of you already know, I recently developed a couple of Longarm rulers for free motion quilting. My friend, George, was a huge help in getting prototypes done so that I could make adjustments to them before I actually had them manufactured. These rulers can be used on both longarms and domestic machines in your free motion quilting/custom quilting journey. They can be ordered on the website “store” page.
I am currently teaching at several different quilt shops and also have some other engagements.
If you ever want to check out where I will be teaching/speaking, I am trying to keep my “events page” as current as possible.
I have had two of my own quilts juried into the MQX show and two of my customers have quilts that have been juried into the show also. Here is a picture of my quilts, and I can’t wait to see them hanging at the show.
I also opted to do a exhibition piece from a Alfred Shaheen hand painted panel. This will be hanging in a Alfred Shaheen special exhibit in New Hampshire and in Springfield, Illinois in October.
Two of my customers also had quilts juried into the MQX show. Wishing them both well and hoping that someone ends up with a ribbon, although just the fact that they will be hanging is a great achievement!!
Ellen’s Quilts at MQX:
Nancy had two quilts juried in….one that I quilted and one she quilted herself. Here is the one that I quilted:
I will probably not write any more blog posts until I get back from MQX, however, keep a watch on my Facebook page and my Instagram, as I will be posting pictures while I am away!!!
Happy Quilting!!!
Jane, I have no doubt you with do a fantastic job, and easily be ready to move on to the next one. So very proud of you and exited for what is ahead.
Thank you, Gina!!! I can’t wait to tell everyone all about it when I get back!!
Just remember the story of “The Little Engine That Could”……I think I can, I think I can….and he did !
And so will you ! No doubt in my mind the students in your classes at MQX will request your return for next year!
Mindy – thank you so much for your encouragement!!
I will be praying for you Jane! Safe and fun travels!
Laurie – thank you so much!! Same to you as you travel home from Florida!!
Just take a huge breath and be you! The teaching time will fly by. Can’t wait for updates/reports.
Trying to breath and take it all in!! Almost finished with the prep work!! 🙂