The Big E – 2017

I entered three pieces into the Eastern States Exposition this year.  I was delighted to discover that they had all earned first place ribbons.  Reading the judging comment sheets and learning from them pays off.
Long Time in Blue, based on the Long Time Gone pattern by Jen Kingwell, was my most elaborate piece.  It took me a few months to piece, during a quilt along with Angie, at Gnome Angel.  It was very challenging, and I was pleased with how my color arrangement turned out.  I put my newly learned longarm skills to good use on this one.  I am thrilled with how it turned out.
The judges awarded it a first place ribbon!  It also took “Outstanding Creativity” form the Hands Across the Valley Quilt Guild.  
My mini wholecloth quilt was also sent in.  I made this the day after taking a workshop with Jamie Wallen.  That class was amazing, and I feel like it made me a better quilter immediately.  This piece was my first experiment with double batting.  I did a cotton batting covered with a wool batting for maximum texture.  It looks amazing in person.  It was also awarded first place.  
Boris Bear by Elizabeth Hartmann of Oh, Fransson was my final entry.  The quilts at the Big E are typically fairly traditional, and I feel like it is my duty to shake them up a bit.  Boris has faux fur, flannel and leather, in addition to more traditional fabrics.  My third first place ribbon today.  
I decided to volunteer for a 4 hour shift demonstrating english paper piecing while at the fair this year.  I was recently moved by a fellow sewist who shared her philosophy on teaching sewing skills and I have been converted.  As a quilting enthusiast, it is my responsibility to teach new quilters.  Our hobby will not spread unless we are willing to get out there and lure in new quilters.
My friend Liz and my mom spent the day with me at the volunteer table.  Liz is my first online friend I have met in person. I had a blast.  I cannot believe how much I enjoy socializing now.  
This was a great year for me at The Big E.  Three first place ribbons, a special award, and plenty of new friends.  I do believe I’ll be back next year.