I Like #3

I prefer smaller quilt shows over mega-shows  

The annual NC Quilt Symposium is a good example

NCQS is an annual meeting hosted by a different NC guild each year.  The venue is usually a college campus so the dates will vary with the school's holiday schedule.  Full-time participants have the option of staying in one of the dorms on campus.  They always seem to assemble an array of talented teachers, a few known nationally and a lot of regional talent, as well.

So I arrived in Raleigh early enough on Thursday that I was able to make my way to William Peace University to check in, pick up my credentials, and scope out my classroom locations.  I met The Joyful Quilter who was "white-gloving" the show and we admired the quilts together. 

I like seeing quilts in person.  It's nice to be able to observe workmanship and quilting designs up close.  Here are a few of my favorites from this year's NCQS:

Sorry, no details

I apparently forgot to photograph the info card; my apologies to the maker(s) and quilter.  I really love the variety of the traditional blocks and the setting.

Irony

Irony was pieced and quilted by Connie Kincius Griner.  She was inspired by an internet posting that defined "irony" as the opposite of "wrinkly."  Although I felt like the ironing board might tip over, I admired her original interpretation of the theme.

My Sister's House

My Sister's House was pieced and quilted by Irene Grimes whose sister lives in Greece.  The pattern is Brownstones by Flavin Glover.

My Modern Quilt

My Modern Quilt was pieced and quilted by Gina Ross.  She started it in a class with Christa Watson on How to Make a Modern Quilt.

The One That Got Away

This hand-pieced beauty by Carol McDowell absolutely blew me away (sorry about the lady's behind).  It was machine quilted by Kim Buterbaugh.  Carol was inspired by patterns in books by Becky Goldsmith and Willyne Hammerstein.

I like when credit is given to patterns and their designers.  While most of the info cards at NCQS gave proper attribution to designers, it would have been nice to know the actual pattern name if someone wanted to make it.

I like the comfort of a hotel room over a dorm room and dorm food.  OK, so I'm a softie!  I've done my time -- just sayin' ...

The Joyful Quilter, working on a T-shirt commission

I opted to stay off-site and invited The Joyful Quilter to join me.  As a member of the host guild, Joy volunteered to work several stations rather than take classes.  She used some of her down time to sew in our room ... once I brought her some thread ...

So that's a quick look at NCQS.  Next year's symposium will be at UNC-Asheville, hosted by the Asheville Quilt Guild at the end of May. A number of modern and art quilters will be on the faculty, in addition to quilting legend Georgia Bonesteel, a NC native.

Linking with LeeAnna at Not Afraid of Color.