My quilt guild graciously invited me to put on a trunk show. I’ve been freaking out about it for weeks.
I gathered up 25 or so quilts and packed them into suitcases. Then Mom and I trundled off to the monthly meeting of Rebecca’s Reel Quilters, in Middletown, New Jersey.
When I was considering which quilts to bring, I decided to have a story. I focused my journey in quilting. I started by talking about my sewing background, and the very first top I made, when I was 13.
I went on to show a chronological-ish collection of my quilts, culminating with my most recent Island Batik finish.
I’m afraid I was hopped up on caffeine and adrenaline, so I spoke pretty quickly. I also didn’t bring my sheet of notes, so I forgot a few things I meant to share. Overall, though, I had fun, and I think my guild members have a pretty clear idea of how spastic I am.
I’m really happy that Mom and I thought to bring my quilt stand. I was able to hang up the Giant Dahlia I made for her and my Dad before he died.
I had a couple of messages I tried to relay during my talk.
A worn out quilt is a sign of success for me. If a quilt I make was loved enough to fall apart, then I made a good quilt. To illustrate this point, I showed off a few quilts that are tattered.
Entering my quilts in shows has made me a better quilter. I’m not sure I got this message across clearly.
Most importantly, I love quilting and other quilters. It is my mission in life to get more people to develop a love of quilting.
After looking at the photos my Mom took for me, it is clear that I was raised by Italians. I didn’t realize how much I talk with my hands.
So, if your guild is looking for an amusing trunk show, lasting about an hour, drop me a line! I had a great time, and I want to do it again.
Special thanks to my Mom, Nancy, for taking all of the photos I used here. My Mom is the best.
PS
If you haven’t found a local quilt guild to join, leave this page right now and do a google search for “quilt guild near me”. I joined this guild without knowing anyone. They are a constant source of support and inspiration for me. Everyone should have a supportive community in their creative life.
It was a wonderful presentation.
Thanks, Mom!
I very much enjoyed your Trunk Show, Jen! It was fun and vivacious just like you. Seeing your quilts in person was even better than seeing them on the blog. Your comments on the quilt judging were illuminating. Hope you get to give another one soon!
Thanks, Dawn!
How awesome to have the support from your mom while you gave your first trunk show (getting photos while you are giving a lecture is such a cool bonus)! I hope you are able to have fun working on your goal to get more people to love quilting. 🙂
I’m sure you did a great job! I would’ve liked to hear your story, but I enjoyed seeing the quilts!
Sounds like you had fun!! Congratulations and here’s hoping for many more trunk shows in your future!
Happy Quilting! 🙂
Hey Jen! If I lived near you I would love to invite you for a trunk show. Wish I did! I am proud to be one of your first customers for your longarm business!
Me too, Janice!! ~smile~ Roseanne
Congrats on this milestone!! May it lead to many more invitations to share your work with guilds!
Thanks for sharing this
Great presentation, Jen! I love seeing your work in person.
Jen, your presentation was so enjoyable. I loved hearing about your quilting journey and seeing the quilts you made along the way. You do beautiful work yet you don’t take yourself too seriously. As soon as someone tells you that you can’t do something, you immediately prove them wrong. Very inspiring for our members.
Great job!
Congratulations! I love that your idea of a successful quilt is one that has been loved into being threadbare. Absolutely! I love the dahlia behind you!!!
Yay Jen! You r.o.c.k. I know you were stressed about doing it, but now the first time is behind you. WITHOUT notes, even!! I would have loved to sit in on this trunk show, and what a fabulous quilt Giant Dahlia is. Not only were you speaking to friends, but each one of them was interested in what you had to say! You have a message to share, a great mission, and the passion to do it. Keep it up, friend. ~smile~ Roseanne
Trunk shows are fun, I’m sure you did great!
I just love the energy in your posts! This one has a high energy vibe! I love the facts presented with the success of a tattered quilt. I hate that quilts wear out, but this has put a smile on my face, and I will think about this differently in the future!
WOnderful! So nice that your mom could share the time and it looks like you had a lot to show and a lot to say. It is hard to say what makes us better quilters, but I believe you have found a path for you! Here’s to more speaking/teaching engagements for you!
Your trunk show was a big hit. I’m so happy that you googled Rebecca’s Reel Quilter’s and joined the guild. You are an integral member of our guild and always willing to lend a hand or offer encouragement. I hope your trunk show was just the beginning of many more. I know I would highly recommend you.👏🏻
Thanks, Regina! It’s do nice to have found my peeps.
Hi Jen. Your presentation was excellent, not only for the wonderful quilts, but also for the funny comments you tucked in between. You also planted the seed in my mind to just go ahead and try new things. Thanks very much Jen. It was a pleasure, and a great offset to a rainy day.
Thanks, Marj! Try everything! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are the best learning tool.