Indulge Yourself...

In today's economy many of us are making sacrifices just to make ends meet and reevaluating some of our "wish list" items. I've seen this in the quilting industry but to a lesser degree than in other areas. Quilters still want to quilt regardless of what is going on in the world...it is our comfort, our social outlet and our creative outlet too. We're diving into our stashes more to save a dollar on new fabric...finishing up UFO's rather than starting a new project...but one thing we shouldn't be doing is sacrificing our classroom experience. Whether you are taking classes at your local quilt store or traveling halfway across the country to attend a conference, there is something very special about the inspiration you receive in the classroom. Not only are you able to meet other quilters and teachers but you can fill yourself up again with the warm fuzzies you get in a classroom full of quilters and let the world go by even if its for just a day or two.

I am fortunate enough to be teaching at a few very exciting venues this year and wanted to toot their horn just a bit. If you feel like indulging yourself by attending a special quilting conference this year please check these out. I would love to see you whether you come as a student or just drop by to say hello. Those who know me know that I love to have visitors in the afternoons in my classrooms. For those of you who may be interested in taking one of my workshops, please know that I cater to the beginning student, hand or machine, and walk everyone thru the simple steps of creating beautiful quilts. All of my workshops are very hands-on with lots of quilt fondling and eye candy! I hope to see you soon!

Empty Spools Seminars-Asilomar (Monterey, CA). I will be there in about 2 weeks and will be teaching a five day workshop. I will be there in April 2011 too. If you've never been, you have to treat yourself to one of the top-rated quilting conferences in the country.

MQX-Providence, Rhode Island. April 14-17, 2010. I was lucky enough to have been invited to teach there last year and will be there once again in April. They are in their new location and I can't wait to go. They have an amazing show and great teachers. I will be teaching four different full-day workshops Wednesday-Saturday.

Superior School of Threadology-Quilt Hawaii June 29-July 4, 2010. When Bob from Superior Threads called and asked if I would mind teaching for him in Hawaii this year what could I say? WOW. This will be a total indulgence class...maybe you could write it off as an educational business expense?

Camp Watch-A-Patcher, Irvine, CA July 11-15, 2010. This will be my first year teaching at this quilting retreat but I have heard loads of good things about it in my classrooms and can't wait to go. They have some great teachers lined up and the reports from my students are that everyone has a wonderful time and it is a very sought after retreat.

Northwest Quilting Symposium, Olympia, WA. August 12-15, 2010. This is the first conference of its kind in this location and there are some amazing teachers lined up. Lots of quilters are excited about attending and I've already heard from a number of students that are planning to attend. Sure can't beat the location!