Mark Your Calendar for 2011

The 2011 Pajaro Valley Quilt Association 33rd annual quilt show, Quilts Unfold Their Stories, will be held on February 26 and 27, 2011.

PVQA 2011 Theme - Quilts Unfold Their Stories

Just as classic authors such as Hemingway, Angelou, or Salinger inspired budding authors, so too are quilters inspired by the master quilters who taught them along their quilt path. The PVQA 2011 Quilt Show will honor those who inspired us and taught us techniques which changed or improved the way we quilt.

The Show will include a special display of quilts inspired by quilting masters. Each quilter who has been mentored or taught a skill which changed the way they quilt, or opened a door to creating a new skill, can enter a quilt made by the master along with a quilt they made using the skill or technique learned. This display is open to any quilter and they will be responsible for obtaining the inspiration quilt and completing entry forms for both.

Quilt Show Chair, Kristine Ebersole, explains, "I learned needle turn applique from a quilter who creates amazing applique work. She taught me to work with patterns and templates, to properly cut out the pieces, and to properly applique them. While I am still 'practicing', her lessons changed the way I view projects and opened up an array of patterns I would have considered too difficult prior to her teaching me to successfully applique by hand. In this display, I can enter a piece of my applique work and ask her if she would like to display one of hers. The two quilts will be hung adjacent to one another with a write up I will provide with my entry form. (Additional details will be detailed with the entry forms.)

Begin thinking of who changed your quilting and inspired your work. Then, ask them if they want to enter a piece alongside yours!

2011 PVQA Quilt Show Journal Quilts

A journal can be used to capture the little things or major events which occur in your life. A journal quilt does the same, just in fabric. Each month, June to December (Yes, we are a little late starting, but that doesn't mean you can't make a June quilt!), participants will create a journal entry. Each entry will be 8 1/2 x 11 inches, just like a piece of paper. Your entry should reflect that month, events, holidays, or just a feeling.

You can use anything that inspires you such as a great piece of fabric you find or dyed. Maybe you take a quilting class and want to include the technique or skill you learn. Or perhaps you want to capture a visit to a new place or a new person who comes into your life.

For June through December you will create and collect your journal entries, then enter them together in the Quilt Show as a Journal Quilt. Each month will be a complete small quilt. So, have fun and try something new this year!