Quilt Expo

Special Saturday Stage Activities

2006-09-12T08:20:00.000-07:00

At noon on Saturday, I’ll be joined on stage by Madison Postmaster Robert Cavinder and Wisconsin Public Television Director of Television James Steinbach for an unveiling of a new U.S. Postal Stamp series. The stamp series features ten quilts created between circa 1940 and 2001 by African-American women in Gee's Bend, Ala.

Immediately following at 12:15 p.m. you won’t want to miss the Quilt Bowl. I’ll be commentating as male serging duos from Wisconsin Public Television compete against celebrity quilters to complete a fleece blanket worthy of donation to the Madison Chapter of Project Linus.

To learn more about Project Linus, visit projectlinus-madison.org/ on the Web.

Quilt Expo attendees may make donations to Project Linus by leaving blankets in child friendly colors at the Wisconsin Public Television Booth anytime during the Quilt Expo event.

Meet Author Jennifer Chiaverini

2006-09-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

I’m delighted that New York Times Best-selling author Jennifer Chiaverini will be part of this year’s Quilt Expo.

An accomplished woman, Jennifer is the author of the Elm Creek Quilts novels. She also is the author of two quilt pattern books inspired by her novels and the designer of the Elm Creek Quilts fabric line from Red Rooster Fabrics.

Jennifer will be giving a lecture at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 where she’ll share some visual imagery and humor from her new novel “Circle of Quilters.” Attendees will enjoy hearing passages from the novel, seeing the quilts it inspired and participating in an informal question and answer session.

If you’d like to register for Jennifer’s lecture, visit wiquiltexpo.com or phone (877) 496-8060.

Quilt Expo attendees also may meet Jennifer from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 during a book signing at the main stage on the vendor floor.

A Few Volunteers Still Needed

2006-08-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

Many volunteers are necessary to present the Quilt Expo event. There are still a few volunteer positions open. If you enjoy quilts and working with people, I encourage you to offer your services for a three- to-four-hour shift.

Volunteers receive admission and parking for the day of their shift.

Docents are still needed for the quilt contest exhibit. Volunteering as an exhibit docent is a great job for anyone who likes talking quilts. Docents host visitors to the exhibit, answering questions and ensuring the quilts’ security. Quilt handling
experience is helpful, but is not required.

Also a few volunteers are needed to help lecturers with their presentations on the afternoon of Sat. Sept. 16. Lecture assistants take tickets from attendees, raise and lower lights, and sometimes introduce lecturers.

If you’d like to volunteer for a shift, please contact Wisconsin Public Television Volunteer Manager Emma Starzewski at (608) 265-4436 or sign up online at wpt.org/development/quiltexpo/

Outstanding Educational Opportunities

2006-08-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

Eleanor Burns giving a lecture at the 2005 Quilt Expo

This year’s Quilt Expo has numerous ways for quilters to expand their quilting knowledge and to refine their technical skills.

One-hour lectures are the perfect opportunity to pick up new techniques from top quilting educators. I’ll be teaming up with my colleague Natalie Sewell to give a daily lecture on landscape art quilting. Some of the other lecturers you’ll recognize from their quilting programs on PBS are Kaye Wood, Sharlene Jorgenson, Eleanor Burns and Sue Hausmann. There also are many other quilting experts from across the country who will be sharing their expertise.

A Sit & Sew Workshop at 2005 Quilt Expo

Also, I encourage you to consider spending a few hours in a Sit & Sew Workshop. These hands-on classes are a chance to learn, practice and master a new technique while creating an exclusive Quilt Expo project.

For a schedule of lectures and workshops, visit wiquiltexpo.com on the Web. Lectures are $10 each and workshops are $30 each plus kit/pattern fee.

Seating is limited. So register soon at wiquiltexpo.com or by calling (877) 496-8060.

Quilts, Quilts and More Quilts

2006-08-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

Attendees viewing the Mary Anhaltzer quilt exhibit at 2005 Quilt Expo

Quilt Expo is your opportunity to see what quilters around the country are doing and to draw inspiration from viewing work.

This year, more than 250 quilts were accepted in the juried and judged Quilt Expo quilt contest. All entries including Best in Show and winners in each of the 10 categories will be exhibited. Several exceptional quilt collections on loan from groups throughout the Midwest also will be on exhibit.

The Professional Art Quilters Alliance “Water Challenge” exhibit offers a collection of quilts all using water as the inspiration for their work.

“The Colors of Wisconsin” quilts collection provided by The Mad City Quilters, showcases the range of their guild members, from traditional hand-pieced patterns, to fused contemporary art pieces.

Also enjoy a special exhibit from Patch of Lakeshore Quilters, an active guild whose members live along the Lake Michigan shore area. The guild promotes quilting for stitchers of all levels and provides workshops and lectures by nationally known teachers and authors. The guild’s fifth bi-annual quilt show is scheduled for spring of 2007.

View an exhibit from The Wisconsin Quilt History Project Inc., a nonprofit organization led by a board of directors who have been drawn from volunteers across the state. The group was formed in 1988 to record quilt making in Wisconsin from 1800 to 1950. The project is dedicated to studying the artistic, cultural, and social importance of quilting and encouraging the proper care and preservation of quilts.

A special exhibit this year from a series titled “Everyday Use” showcases the watercolors of Wisconsin artist Helen Klebesadel. The title of the exhibition is derived from a short story by Alice Walker that explores how the artistic production of women, quilts in particular, came to represent our most precious values and life choices.

Stop to Chat

2006-08-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

Quilt Expo is the time to come together with family and friends to learn, laugh and revitalize your creative spirit. It also is a time to meet others who share your love for quilting.

I look forward to getting together with old friends and making new acquaintances at this year’s event. I’ll be at the Wisconsin Public Television booth from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 and Friday, Sept. 15, and from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16. Please stop by to chat.

I’d also like to remind you to register for the lectures and workshops taking place at the event. These educational offerings are your opportunity to gain inspiration while learning what’s new in quilting from the experts.

To register for lectures and workshops, visit the Quilt Expo Web site, wiquiltexpo.com, or call (877) 496-8060.

A New Offering at This Year’s Quilt Expo

2006-08-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

This year’s Quilt Expo has something brand new –– quilt appraisals performed by Carol Butzke. Certified by the American Quilter’s Society as an appraiser of quilted textiles, Butzke is a member of the Professional Association of Appraisers — Quilted Textiles. She also is a quilter, teacher, lecturer and quilt collector.

Carol will be giving limited oral and written appraisals by appointment only. Oral appraisals are $20 each and written appraisals are $35 each. There are only a few openings left. If you’d like to schedule an appraisal appointment, please call (877) 496-8060.

Register Early for Two Special Evening Events

2006-07-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

At 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, enjoy an entertaining and fun-filled evening with Marianne Fons and Liz Porter. “Sew Much Fun” features the internationally known quilting teachers, best-selling authors, fabric designers, creators of the popular PBS series Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting and publishers of Love of Quilting Magazine. Marianne and Liz will share their history and the fun they’ve had quilting together.

At 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, there’ll be more learning and laughter as “Fabulously Fused Art Quilts” spotlights Laura Wasilowski and Frieda Anderson, tenured professors from the Chicago School of Fusing. Their humorous and informative program outlines how to create fused art quilts using a scissors or rotary cutter as a drawing tool. Also see a trunk show of art quilts created by all five of the professors of fusing and a sneak preview of The Art of Quilting program produced by Wisconsin Public Television. The program will be made available to PBS stations nationwide in March 2007.

Admission for each event is $20. I encourage you to register early as seating is limited. To register, go to wiquiltexpo.com on the Web or phone (877) 496-8060.

Quilt Expo Advance Registration Guide Now Available

2006-07-10T09:00:00.001-07:00

I’m pleased to announce that the Advance Registration Guide for Quilt Expo is now available. In the guide, you’ll find a complete overview of the event and lists of the educational opportunities that will be available. Visit wiquiltexpo.com on the Web to request a guide.

This year’s event will offer 108 informational lectures by notable quilting experts and 36 hands-on Sit & Sew Workshops, all taught by local and national quilting authorities.

The shopping venue will have a wide selection of quilting fabrics, notions, gifts, sewing machines, long-arm quilting systems and more from local and national vendors.

Demonstrations by industry leaders on the newest quilting products and techniques will be featured in free stage presentations. Prize drawings, a community-service project, an on-site radio broadcast and two limited-capacity evening events are all part of the activities.

I encourage you to register early for the lectures, workshops and special evening events. To register or to request an Advance Registration Guide, visit wiquiltexpo.com on the Web.

Pictured: 2005 Quilt Expo attendees at a Sit & Sew workshop

A Perfect Match

2006-06-22T13:37:00.000-07:00

It was a natural collaboration when Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) and Sewing With Nancy® formed a partnership to present a yearly Quilt Expo. Since 1991, WPT and Sewing With Nancy Productions have co-produced the Sewing With Nancy® series at the WPT studios in Madison, Wis.

For WPT, Quilt Expo is an opportunity to offer enrichment to the community while raising revenue for their nonprofit organization. The six-station network has a stellar reputation throughout the PBS system for creativity and broadcast excellence, and is dedicated to enriching lives through non-commercial television, educational outreach and events that respond to both individual and community interests.

When attending Quilt Expo, be sure to visit my friends at the WPT booth. I’ll be there to chat with visitors from 1:30 to 2:30 on Thursday, Sept. 14 and Friday, Sept. 15, and from 2-3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16.

Pictured: Wisconsin Public Television booth at 2005 Quilt Expo

Meet the Quilt Expo Event Coordinators

2006-06-06T08:17:00.000-07:00

Pictured: DeAnne Massey (Left) Deanna Springer (Right)

Deanna Springer, events coordinator for Sewing With Nancy®, has more than 25 years of sewing and quilting experience. After doing custom bridal dressmaking and alterations in the 1980s, Deanna began working for Nancy’s Notions® in Beaver Dam, Wis., in 1989. Over the past 16 years, she has worked in several positions at the company including Nancy’s Notions® Retail Store, Sewing Advisor Department, Merchandising & Marketing Departments and as my executive assistant. For the past three years, she has served as events coordinator for Sewing With Nancy® and Nancy’s Notions®.

As education coordinator for Quilt ExpoTM, Deanna works year round on this event. She coordinates the applications and review committees for the workshops, lectures and stage presentations. She also coordinates the planning committee for the quilt contest, quilt contest entries and special quilt exhibits.

Her interest in quilting and sewing began at age 6. Both her grandmothers and mother included sewing and quilting in daily life. She expanded and polished her skills through 4-H, with the South Columbus Willing Workers in Columbia County, Wis.

Deanna resides in Fox Lake, Wis. where she enjoys all four seasons with her husband and daughter.

Deanna is currently accepting entries for this year’s quilt contest. There’s still time to enter your quilts. To learn all the details and to download the entry form, visit wiquiltexpo.com on the Web.

DeAnne Massey, events manager for Wisconsin Public Television (WPT), has more than 20 years of higher education, public relations and events management experience.

Before joining WPT in 1999, DeAnne, who holds a Master’s degree, was director of student life at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay where she managed an international distinguished speaker series, contemporary issue forums, recreational activities including bands, comics and outdoor events, student government and organizations, leadership development education and recognition programs, and brought student volunteerism back into the community.

Since coming to WPT, DeAnne has expanded special events offerings and increased revenue raised through events. She successfully grew the modest annual Garden Expo event into a Midwest regional event offering 435 different vendor booths in a 100,000 square-foot exhibition space, more than 100 free educational seminars and 20,000 people in attendance.

DeAnne works year round on the Garden Expo and Quilt Expo exhibition shows in addition to other events. For the Quilt Expo, she coordinates all event logistics, facility management and vendor sales, registration and customer support services.

DeAnne is a resident of in Madison, Wis. where she enjoys music, humor, creative writing, gardening, yoga, and reading mysteries and science fiction.

For Quilt Expo, WPT coordinates event graphic design and promotion, manages event sponsors, and recruits and manages 600 event volunteers. For information on Quilt Expo volunteer opportunities, visit wpt.org/development/quiltexpo/ on the Web.

Happy Volunteers Make for a Seamless Event

2006-04-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

In a little over four months, The Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center will be a kaleidoscope of color and texture. Quilters from all over the country will be in Madison to view the quilt contest exhibit, take part in educational workshops and presentations, and to shop the vendor mall.

Volunteers are needed to help staff various areas. Positions include entry guides, information and registration desk staff, ticket sellers, quilt exhibit docents, package checkers, presentation stage assistants and more.

I encourage you to volunteer for a shift. It’s fun as well as a rewarding experience that comes with benefits. All volunteers receive a parking pass and admission for the day of their shift. Wednesday pre-show, set-up volunteers will receive a one-day pass for a return visit.

To receive information about volunteering at Quilt Expo, visit wpt.org/development/quiltexpo/ on the Web and fill in the contact box. A sign-up form will be available there in July.

Pictured: A volunteer serves as a docent in the quilt contest exhibit.

Klaudeen Hansen to Serve as Quilt Contest Judge

2006-04-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

I’m pleased to announce that Klaudeen Hansen, a National Quilter’s Association certified judge, will again serve as one of the judges for the Quilt Expo quilt contest.

In a life that for more than 30 years has been devoted to quilting, Hansen has become one of the preeminent judges in the industry. More than 20,000 quilts have passed by her for inspection, and she still loves every minute of it.

Judging, teaching and even creating her own award-winning quilts have made her a well-respected member of the quilting community nationwide and beyond.

Hansen is listed in “Who’s Who in American Quilting.” She is a co-author of the annual “Quilt Art Calendar,” an engagement book that is filled with pictures of widely ranging colorful quilts from across the United States. She teaches at the Madison Area Technical College and has traveled as far as Japan to lead students to find the beauty in quilting. Hansen served as both judge and competition consultant for the 2005 Quilt Expo.

Pictured: Klaudeen Hansen

Expanded Vendor Mall

2006-04-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

I’m delighted to inform quilters that this year’s Quilt Expo vendor mall has been expanded by 20,000 square-feet over last year's 50,000 square-feet for a total of 70,000 square-feet.

The additional floor space allows the event to offer more vendors with many options for shoppers. Both local and national quilting businesses will provide fabrics, notions, gifts, sewing machines, long-arm quilting systems and other quilting-related wares.

It’s always fun to stroll the mall and learn about new products. The booth merchants also are a good source of information on how best to use all the latest supplies. I like to think of it as educational shopping.

Picture: 2005 Quilt Expo attendees enjoy shopping the vendor mall.

Quilt Contest

2006-04-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

The 2005 quilt contest exhibit was truly one of the special highlights of the first Quilt Expo. This year, the quilt contest exhibition space will be expanded to 4,400 square-feet more than last year's 10,000 square-foot space. I’m excited to announce that the exhibit will accommodate even more gorgeous quilts.

I encourage you to take part in the 10-category quilt contest. The competition is open to quilters of all levels and entrants may submit up to four quilts. Winners in each category will receive cash prizes and a special prize will be awarded for the Best of Show. Completed entry forms and materials are due by June 15.

There’s also a quilt contest for youth 15 years old and younger. Completed entry forms and materials for the Kids’ Challenge are due by August 15.

For all the details on both contests and to download entry forms, visit www.wiquiltexpo.com and click on "Quilt Contest."

Pictured quilt: “Bougainvillae” by Barbara Swinea of Fairview, N.C., first-place winner of the 2005 Quilt Expo quilt contest in the Hand-Quilted Bed Size — Pieced category.

Welcome

2006-03-28T10:44:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, I got together with the people at Wisconsin Public Television, where my series Sewing With Nancy is produced, to collaborate on presenting a new yearly quilt show in Madison, Wis. We decided our show should offer quilters an opportunity for a one-of-a-kind getaway to inspire and revitalize their creative spirit.

In September 2005, we presented our first Quilt Expo. The quilt contest included 246 beautiful quilts from across the country as well as several special quilt exhibits. There were hands-on workshops and lectures with national quilting authorities, a vendor mall featuring quilting fabrics, notions, gifts, sewing machines, long-arm quilting systems and more.

A number of attendees joined me for a special evening reception on the Sewing With Nancy television set and a mock taping of the program. There also was an evening event featuring several PBS sewing and quilting celebrities who shared personal experiences from their programs.

It was a very busy but delightful three days. I had the opportunity to meet many of the nearly 10,000 people who visited Quilt Expo and took part in the various activities.

Right now we’re making plans for this year’s Quilt Expo and this is the place to find my updates on recent developments regarding the show.