It’s officially summer here! We even have 90 degree weather to prove it. Ooooh-eee is it hot out!
The girls got out of school on Friday and it has been nothing but end of school year parties and swimming ever since…well, also music rehearsals for the big music school show that is coming up this weekend. As you might have guessed, not much quilting has gone on around here. I did take my English Paper Piecing apple cores outside by the pool but that’s about it.
I did do something wonderful and quilt related though on Saturday! My mother and I went to see Alex Anderson’s presentation at the Blue Hills Regional Technical High School. It was sponsored by Bernina and Ann’s Sewing Center which is actually becoming Andy’s Sewing Center. The event started at 10:00am and went to 2:00pm with a lunch served sometime in the middle. When we arrived at the school, there were chairs set up with goody bags and loads of Alex’s quilts hung up. There were also all kinds of Bernina machines to look at and compare. I couldn’t get over the fact that Alex was standing right in the middle of everyone conversing JUST LIKE A REGULAR PERSON!!! And I thought…my God, she’s real! LOL!!! And she’s very pretty and she dresses nicely too! And she’s very, very funny!
The presentation started right on time but there were some microphone issues. This didn’t bother Alex a bit, she went right along with a loud voice until the issue was resolved. She had a great slideshow presentation of how she got started in the business and how she’s grown as a quilter. It was sponsored by Bernina so at times it did seem like a Bernina commercial – but that’s ok, we were just happy to see Alex in person.
The second part of the event was a demonstration of her fusible applique technique and proper piecing technique. There was a machine set up with a camera and the demo was visible on the big screen to the audience. Unfortunately, there was some sewing machine trouble for Alex which she also handled graciously and entertainingly (if that’s a word). That particular model was new to her and she was having some trouble seeing because the stage area was a bit dark and to put on more lights would cause the big screen to appear white and we (the audience) wouldn’t be able to see. So….someone brought these light up eye glasses to her and we all had a good laugh over it!
The glasses were “readers” with a light on either side of the frame. Turns out they were helpful to Alex and she did use them. Everyone wanted to know where to get those and how much they cost. So here it is…you can get them at Walgreens and they are $24.99 —ask me how I know? LOL. I went there yesterday but didn’t realize the glasses were readers and I don’t need any magnification with my handwork so they stayed at Walgreens. My middle daughter was soooooo happy that they stayed at Walgreens!! I had threatened to wear them everywhere I went just to tease her.
Along the wall at the school were many beautiful quilts by Alex. It was nice to see them up close. Patterns and kits were available.
This one is my favorite…
We didn’t purchase any patterns or kits though. Mom and I both have a mother-load of UFO’s to finish up before adding more to the pile. Alex was available for autographs at the end of the day.
The lunch was very nice…sandwiches, drinks and chips. There were also raffles (no, we didn’t win and no, they didn’t give away a Bernina). We sat with some lovely ladies and talked about long arm machines and the Sisters quilt show in Oregon.
It was a fabulous day and seeing Alex has been high on my mother’s to do list for quite some time. I was happy to take her there to celebrate her birthday.
Some GIVE-AWAY news! I was contacted by Easy Canvas Prints about teaming up for a give-away. This is a company that prints your photos on canvas and they are offering a free 8″x 10″ print to one lucky reader. I will have all the details on tomorrow’s blog post. I am waiting for them to send me their Rafflecopter link so I can get it up on the blog. Below is their logo and link to the company. I will have more details tomorrow!!!
