My condolences to the James family on the loss of their patriarch Bob James, who founded the International Quilt Museum in Lincoln Nebraska along with his wife Ardis. Our paths crossed more than once as sponsors of Quilt National, and I was fortunate to have a 3-hour lunch with Bob at ‘the club’ in NYC many years ago. We are all indebted to these 2 visionaries who have created such a valuable foundation for our quilting community. Bob and Ardis are together now…..no doubt wrapped in a comforting quilt.
Longtime Colorado quilters will have known Bobbie Aug, who we also lost in the last week. You could always spot her across a crowded room by her long flowing hair. She served three terms as President of our state guild CQC: in 1989, 2000 and 2001. She was a certified quilt appraiser, historian, speaker and author. Bobbie was a passionate quilter and a fellow Bernina ambassador. It is a loss for our community.
One thing I have found in the quilting world, is that there is always someone older than you, and younger than you. Seems that way, anyway. Just about the time I worry about hitting Medicare age, another quilter friend laughs and says I am just a spring chicken! The most important thing is stay young at heart, and keep making friends of all ages. For those younger quilters who felt unwelcome in quilt shops, and started their own Modern Quilt Guild, they have created a community that quilters of all ages want to join now! As you find younger friends with an interest in sewing and quilting, don’t waste any opportunity to teach and mentor. I am told it is harder to find beginner quilting classes in many communities these days, so we have to rely on quilt guilds, grandmas & aunties, friends and neighbors to teach the next generation to sew. It takes a village.
So age is all relative, and being a creative social person in the quilting tribe is what keeps so many of us joyful and productive. Long live the tribe!
Speaking of which, we had a lovely group of SAQA members come for a tour yesterday. Every one of them has that twinkle in their eye. I look forward to hangin’ with the tribe at QuiltCon next month!
sharing your love for fabric,
Luana and Paul
Travel/Quilt Dates:
Feb 21-24, 2024 – QuiltCon in Raleigh, NC – eQuilter is a GOLD Sponsor.
March 6 – Canadian Quilters Association – Zoom Lecture “Intl Quilt Trends”
April 7-12 Allegre Retreat
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