Author Archives: Lana

About Lana

I learned to sew at age 11 at my local Singer store. I was so intrigued by all of the supplies in my friend's sewing tote box I spotted while playing at her house that I rode my bicycle home and told my mom I wanted to take sewing lessons. I found my niche. I made most of my clothes through high school and even made room for my sewing machine (in cabinet) in my tiny college dorm room. I bought my first quilt book when in my early 20"s at the St. Louis arch gift shop. It was a book about the Cathedral Window and I was intrigued with how that was put together. I played around with it, but continued to sew garments for my kids while they were young. I got back into quilting when my son and daughter were in middle school, feeding my need for continued creativity. I took various classes locally, and eventually made my way to Syracuse, NY for Quilting by the Lake, and Carmel, CA for Empty Spools. It wasn't until I took Betty Cotton's Cotton Theory Class at Camp Cotton in Osseo, WI, in July, 2012, that I found what I was looking for. Everything just clicked for me and I felt like I now knew this "secret" that made everything so much easier and more fun and had to share it with other quilters. "Quilt first, then assemble" means no more getting down on my hands and knees on the living room floor and pinning the quilt back, batting and pieced quilt top together and then trying to get it through my machine's throat area or, worse, paying someone big bucks to do it for you. And no handwork. I'm in.

Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show

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A Quilter’s Affair

July 9,2022

A phone call letting me know we had made it off the waiting list for a camping spot at Bend/Sisters Garden RV Resort led me to being able to make a bucket list trip to the show this year – always the second weekend in July. (As a side note, I would recommend this RV Resort. It was beautifully kept!)

My bestie and I (both from Indiana) have had our eye on this show for several years. Having moved to the PNW recently, it was easy for me to get there on short notice. Hopefully she and I can go together in the future.

Quilting classes are held in the high school Monday – Friday the week of the show. I didn’t take any of those on this trip. I did spot Tula Pink within arms length, however!! Also Jenny and Helen from Sew Kind of Wonderful!!

It was a gorgeous day and we arrived early, around 8 am, to watch the firemen hang quilts made by the employees of the Stitchin’ Post on the side of the quilt shop. I knew the show began at 9, so 8 turned out to be a good time to arrive to see the firemen hang the quilts.

Thank you men and women of the FD!

Volunteers hang the rest with wire and clothespins in front of all the businesses willing to take part. We began our trek through town after breakfast at Spoons, Spoons has a good breakfast with the standard coffee option. Sisters Coffee Company has a wonderful selection of special coffees as well as pastry with great outdoor and indoor seating. We had coffee there two other mornings.

Quits are hung by theme or color. I thought these were cute.

You may notice red ribbons on every quilt. Quilts are not judged, but everyone gets a red participation ribbon. A blue ribbon indicates the quilt is part of a special exhibit.

I didn’t take pictures of every quilt, just the ones that especially caught my eye. As usual, I noticed I tend to like color and contrast. I always try to give credit to the artist, also, but the type was so small and often the quilts were hung high enough that the tags were difficult, if not impossible to read. If you see yours here, please feel free to comment and introduce yourself!!

This one was hung on the side of Stitchin’ Post which indicates it was made by one of the employees of the shop.. Reminds me of the sea.
These two were part of a bee themed exhibit.
Another special exhibit with a water theme.
Simple yet effective layout
Interesting…
These always amaze me!
Calming
LOVE the border with the inset panel!
Effective use of fabric for the buildings
Each dog has it’s own personality!
Even the Sinclair station took part!
Batiks are always a favorite.
This one was 3D. The feathers were fluttering.
I believe this was a wholecloth quilt and not pieced, but beautifully quilted.
It’ll be here before you know it!
Mod TV!! Reminds me of The Jetson’s!
This begins an exhibit with the requirement of having ORANGE in the quilt
I can’t count the number of times I’ve said I’m going to make a quilt from this perspective!
End of the ORANGE quilt challenge.
Cute!
🙂
Being an Aquarius, I’ll always be drawn to water…
Their own special exhibit.

Hope you enjoyed my virtual quilt show and recommendations for your future visit to the show. I love that it’s not judged and just for the enjoyment of the art. No stress. Enjoy!

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Sewing when Traveling

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After teaching longarm quilting all day, I grab a bite for dinner and head to my hotel room…to SEW! It’s how I relax. My trusty lightweight, dependable Singer Featherweight is my travel partner when I’m able to drive to my events. When I fly, my Kindle is my lightweight, dependable travel companion.

Sewing area set up in my hotel room.

The Fabric Patch

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Pana, IL

May 4-6 Hands On Van Event

Longarm Machine Basics

Fast, Fun, and Fabulous Free Motion

Pro-Stticher Basics

Ruler Essentials

A Foot Ahead

Beyond Basic Background Fills

Not Your Average Orange Peel

Gridwork, not Guesswork

Mike and Brenda believe in service and training after the sale. If you’re in the area, give them a visit.