Greetings from Pigeon Forge

Two of Eight NYB Blocks

Whew, what a week it was! 



I was still recovering from Spring Training Camp in WV (where I worked on Summer Solstice, a Judy Neimeyer pattern) when DH and I made it to the hotel in Pigeon Forge Sunday evening, just as my roommates were arriving from the other direction.  He escorted four of us to dinner and I had the pleasure of his company for the night before he headed on home Monday morning.

Once I got settled into the "dorm" (two 2-bedroom suites across the hall from each other at the end of the corridor), we girls headed out for a day of shopping, eating, and getting oriented for the classes ahead. We made it to two quilt shops -- Quilting by Iva and Pappy's.  I was proud of my restraint at Iva's: not so much at Pappy's where I took advantage of a 20% off coupon.  (I'm sure you see where this is going! LOL)

Jan Krentz - 

Tuesday's class was with Jan Krentz -- Variable Hunter Star.  She has a different technique for making the blocks.  But an even more interesting approach to the final arrangement:  she lays out the triangles and star points separately and doesn't sew them together until she's happy with the final design.  I don't have a whole lot to show for the day except some pieces and parts.  This will take a large design wall and an extended period of time to complete, a multi-day retreat project, without a doubt.

The Beginnings of Hunter Star

Wednesday we made our way to The Red Barn and Cherry Pit in Sevierville.  Most of my purchases were related to a sample for an October class I am teaching.  After a delicious BBQ lunch we returned to the LeConte Center and shopped the vendors where I couldn't resist 10 half-yard cuts of delicious neutrals.

Dinner Wednesday night included a lecture by Jan Krentz.  Such a delightful lady, great teacher, inspiring designer.  (Can't say much for the food, though)

Smith Mountain Morning

Thursdays' class was Smith Mountain Morning with Bonnie Hunter.  Her classes are always a lot of fun -- classic rock going in the background.  I have three blocks to show for the day.




Thursday night I had a class with Bonnie Goolsby on Jack's Chain.  I learned two things:  how to make just one nine patch with two fabrics (it took me a few minutes to catch on to that one) and that I don't want to put my quilt together the way she does.  This is what I accomplished in the short class.  I think this will definitely be a combination of piecing and hand assembly.

Jack's Chain

Friday was another day off and we spent the day in Gatlinburg on the Artisan's Loop.  Mountain Stitches by Susan did my budget in.  Ice cream for lunch, followed by another shop, Zoe's, across the road.  Then pottery, then a winery, then dinner.

Saturday found me in a border design class with Marsha McCloskey (I had said in an earlier post it would be with Karen K Buckley).  In the morning she explained her process for drafting elements and showed us ways to use them.  Students in the class offered their suggestion for each other's quilts.

This is the quilt I took.  Once someone suggested that I turn it on point, I came away with a completely different plan.  I think it will be super and can't wait to get back to this ancient project.

Home Sunday, laundry done, winding down.  Trying to figure out how I will use 44 yards of new fabric.

Linking up with Judy at Patchwork Times for Design Wall Monday.